The Chicago Cubs entered play on Monday tied with the San Diego Padres for the top National League wild-card position. The way things stand, Chicago would host the three-game wild-card Series at home against San Diego for a second straight season. 

While having home-field advantage in the postseason is utterly important, Cubs franchise legend Anthony Rizzo doesn't believe that is the postseason path that Chicago should take.

Anthony Rizzo believes Cubs should tank for No. 3 wild-card position

On the latest edition of the "Ross and Rizzo Podcast," Rizzo suggested the Cubs instead tank to become the No. 3 wild-card team in the National League, setting themselves up for what he believes is any easier postseason path.

"The Cubs should tank and be the last wild-card team and play the Atlanta Braves in the playoffs instead of hosting the home-field advantage," Rizzo said in the latest episode. "I know it's easier said than done, but the Cubs have had a lot of good success off the Braves this year."

Rizzo also added that Chicago finding a way to win the road wild-card series would give the team a "whole new identity" and raise its confidence higher than what winning a home series would.

Throwing away home-field advantage would be a mistake for the Cubs

Even with the success the Cubs have had against the Braves this season, the amount of home success against NL playoff teams that the team has had this year makes the No. 4 seed a necessity.

Outside of the Milwaukee Brewers, Chicago is 12-1 at home this season against the remaining NL playoff teams. Those 12 wins include series sweeps against the Dodgers, Padres and Phillies.

So, with all the information available, it appears that the correct play is for Chicago to attempt to secure the top wild-card position and host a wild-card Series for the second consecutive season.