Looking at the stats and current rosters, I feel like this series is a matchup of 2 equals. While the Nats did have a 10 win advantage in the regular season, they only had a 20 run run differential advantage over the Cards. If you factor in no Strasburg and the fact that the playoff format favors the Cards (less use of their horrible middle relief whereas the Nats had a balanced bullpen), this is pretty even. I think we pull it out in 5 based on HFA.
The Cards might actually be the best (non-Nats) team in the league. The rotation is solid with Carpenter back, the lineup is the best in the league, and the back of the bullpen is solid. Overall a balanced team. They will be a tough out. If we get past them, I feel like we are a WS lock.