What are the best- and worst-case scenarios for Mets ahead of doubleheader with Braves?

Hurricane Helene threw a wrench in the Mets' late-season plans.

As rain pushed through Atlanta on Wednesday, with the hurricane tailing behind, the Mets' final two games of their series with the Braves were postponed . That sets up a return trip and a potential season-defining doubleheader for the Mets with the Braves at 1:10 p.m. on Monday.

That trip could depend on whether the matchups have playoff implications.

As the Mets head out for a three-game series against the Brewers beginning on Friday, they have a one-game lead over the Braves for the final National League Wild Card spot . The Mets are tied with the Diamondbacks and hold the tiebreaker by virtue of the regular-season tiebreaker.

With the Braves hosting the Royals and Diamondbacks welcoming the Padres this weekend, here are the best- and worst-case scenarios for the Mets heading into a pivotal weekend:

Mets' best-case scenario

The Mets might not have to make the trip to Atlanta at all.

If the Mets can grab a sweep of the Brewers and the Braves are swept by the Royals, the Mets would clinch their spot in the National League playoffs. One Diamondbacks win against the Padres would then punch their ticket.

The Mets would also clinch if they sweep the Brewers and the Diamondbacks lose one of three against the Padres, or if the Mets grab two wins and the Diamondbacks lose two.

In that case, the Mets might still need to play the Braves for their playoff destiny, but they could cobble together a pitching staff and save their best arms. The Braves also hold the tiebreaker against the Diamondbacks.

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Fortunately for the Mets, the Brewers are locked into the No. 3 spot in the NL playoff race and may not be as inspired to win these games as to remain healthy for their playoff run.

The only defined starter for the Mets this weekend is Sean Manaea on Friday night. An added bonus could be the return of Francisco Lindor, who missed eight games with back discomfort. Lindor was in the lineup for Wednesday's game before it was postponed due to weather.

Mets' worst-case scenario

If the Mets cannot keep their one-game advantage over the Braves, they would need to take both games in Atlanta to clinch their spot.

Essentially, the Mets need to win as many games as the Braves do against the Royals this weekend. Then, they would be set up to win one of the two games in Atlanta and clinch their spot.

Any abbreviated starts from the Mets this weekend against the Brewers would tax their pitching staff for the doubleheader Monday. And that would put the Mets in a dire position heading into a Wild Card matchup if they do eventually clinch.

If the Braves sweep the Royals and the Mets get swept by the Brewers, they could still get in by sweeping Monday's doubleheader. The Diamondbacks can clinch their spot over the Mets by winning two more games than the Mets this weekend.

Lindor will be tested this weekend in his return and any setbacks could cloud their prospects of reaching October or making a deep run.

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: What are the best- and worst-case scenarios for Mets ahead of doubleheader with Braves?