What is the Cubs' magic number for being eliminated from the MLB playoffs? originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago

The Brewers clinched the NL Central division with the Cubs' 5-3 loss to the Athletics on Wednesday, pushing the Cubs to focus on the MLB Wild Card for their dwindling playoff hopes.

But how many losses are they away from missing out on their final playoff opportunity?

The Cubs are three losses away from being eliminated from the playoffs. And every Mets win also strips the Cubs of a loss they can afford. Since the total number of losses the Mets can achieve this season is 79, the Cubs can only afford to take on three losses without the Mets winning.

As it stands, the Cubs are 77-75 on the season. They are 6.5 games back of the final NL Wild Card spot owned by the Mets. They also trail the Braves by 4.5 games, who own the first spot outside the NL Wild Card.

In essence, it's a long shot for the Cubs to make the playoffs.

For the remainder of their schedule, the Cubs will start a four-game series against the Nationals on Thursday, followed by a three-game road series against the Phillies, then a three-game road home series against the Reds to finish out the season.