Tag: Chicago Cubs vs. Washington Nationals odds predictions pick betting line spread

Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The Chicago Cubs (70-66) and Washington Nationals (61-75) meet Sunday for the finale of a 3-game series. First pitch from Nationals Park is set for 1:35 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Chicago leads 2-0

Chicago had a 4-run 5th inning to beat Washington 5-3 Saturday while covering as a -108 road favorite. RHP Javier Assad picked up the win (6 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB and 4 K).

Chicago has now won 5 straight while the Nationals have dropped both games in Chicago, losing the Friday opener 7-6.

Cubs at Nationals projected starters

RHP Jameson Taillon vs. LHP Mitchell Parker

Taillon (9-8, 3.85 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.20 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 in 133 1/3 IP.

  • Last start: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 4 ER, 8 H, 0 BB, 3 K in an 18-8 win at Pittsburgh Pirates Monday
  • Career vs. Washington: 0-1, 4.38 ERA (39 IP, 19 ER), 1.10 WHIP, 7.8 K/9 in 7 starts

Parker (7-8, 4.26 ERA) makes his 25th start. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 2.4 BB/9 and 7.7 K/9 in 126 2/3 IP.

  • Last start: Loss, 4 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 2 BB, 5 K in a 5-2 loss vs. the New York Yankees Monday
  • First career start vs. Cubs

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Cubs at Nationals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:23 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs -125 (bet $125 to win $100) | Nationals +105 (bet $100 to win $105)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+135) | Nationals +1.5 (-160)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 9 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Cubs at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 2, Nationals 1

Moneyline

BET CUBS (-125).

The Cubs enter as the much hotter team as they are 8-2 in their last 10 games and 7-1 in their last 8 games on on the road. Washington is only 5-5 in its last 10 games and 2-3 in its last 5 games at home.

Chicago has also won 4 straight games vs. Washington and is 4-3 in its last 7 meetings with the Nationals in Washington.

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

I like the Nationals’ odds of covering here as +1.5 (-160) underdogs, but this line is set just slightly too favorably to risk betting on. Bet on the moneyline and/or total instead.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 9 (-120).

For Washington, the Under is 8-2 in its last 10 overall and is 4-1 in its last 5 losses. The Under has also hit in 6 of the last 7 Chicago-Washington matchups in the Nation’s Capital.

This is a very slight lean as the Over is 8-1-1 in Chicago’s last 10 and 4-1 in the last 5 matchups between these squads.

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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (15-14) play the 3rd game of a 4-game series against the Washington Nationals (11-18) on Wednesday at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Cubs lost 4-1 to the Nationals Tuesday. Chicago has now lost 4 of its last 5 games and has just 3 wins in its last 10 outings.

Nationals RHP Trevor Williams tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings Tuesday and SS CJ Abrams went 3-for-3 with an RBI. Washington held steady with a 5-5 record in its last 10 contests with the victory.

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Cubs at Nationals projected starters

RHP Marcus Stroman vs. RHP Jake Irvin

Stroman (2-2, 2.29 ERA) makes his 7th start. He has a 1.05 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 8.4 K/9 through 35 1/3 IP.

  • Has recorded at least 6 IP in 5 of his 6 starts
  • Is 1-1 with a 4.50 ERA, 1.61 WHIP and 9.5 K/9 in 7 career starts against the Nationals

Irvin will make his major league debut on Wednesday. He has a 2-2 record with a 5.64 ERA, 1.52 WHIP, 4.4 BB/9 and 8.1 K/9 through 22 1/3 IP in Triple-A this season.

  • Has allowed multiple ER in 4 straight starts in Triple-A
  • Hasn’t registered more than 5 1/3 IP in a start this season, so he could be on a pitch count in his debut

Cubs at Nationals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:41 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs -200 (bet $200 to win $100) | Nationals +165 (bet $100 to win $165)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (-120) | Nationals +1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

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Cubs at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Nationals 2

Moneyline

AVOID.

The Cubs (-200) should be able to secure the victory on Wednesday against a pitcher making his major league debut, but taking them straight up isn’t advised at the current odds.

Run line/Against the spread

BET CUBS -1.5 (-120).

The Cubs have the pitching advantage on Wednesday with Stroman having a formidable start to the season across 6 turns. Irvin will make his debut in the majors and he was struggling in Triple-A before being called up, so Chicago shouldn’t have issues producing enough runs to cover the run line.

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Over/Under

UNDER 8.5 (-115) is the lean in this contest with Stroman likely having success against a mediocre lineup in the Nationals. The Under is 3-0 in the last 3 meetings overall and 4-2 in the last 6 meetings.

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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Monday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Chicago Cubs (14-13) will begin a 4-game series against the Washington Nationals (10-17) on Monday at Nationals Park. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: First meeting; Cubs went 4-2 vs. Nationals in 2022

The Cubs lost 4-3 to the Miami Marlins on Sunday. It was their 3rd straight loss and 7th in the last 10 games.

The Nationals cruised to a 7-2 victory Sunday over the NL Central-leading Pittsburgh Pirates. Washington ended a 3-game losing streak and evened its record at 5-5 in its last 10 contests.

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Cubs at Nationals projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. LHP MacKenzie Gore

Smyly (2-1, 3.21 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 0.93 WHIP, 1.9 BB/9 and 8.7 K/9 in 28 IP.

  • Allowed 6 ER on 9 H with 2 BB and 3 K in 4 2/3 IP in a loss to the Cincinnati Reds in his season debut on April 3
  • In his last 4 starts combined, he’s given up 4 ER on 11 H with 4 BB and 24 K in 23 1/3 IP

Gore (3-1, 3.00 ERA) makes his 6th start. He has a 1.30 WHIP, 5.3 BB/9 and 11.7 K/9 in 27 IP.

  • Has notched 6 or more K’s in each of his 5 starts
  • Walks have been an issue as he’s registered 4-plus walks in 3 of his  5 starts

Cubs at Nationals odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:08 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Cubs -140 (bet $140 to win $100) | Nationals +115 (bet $100 to win $115)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+115) | Nationals +1.5 (-140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Cubs at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 4, Nationals 3

Moneyline

Both teams have solid southpaws on the mound on Monday, but I’ll back the CUBS (-140) on the road. Chicago is 4-0 in the last 4 starts that Smyly has made against NL East opponents and Washington is 3-11 at home this season.

Run line/Against the spread

NATIONALS +1.5 (-140) is the pick even though I have the Cubs winning. Gore has pitched well for Washington to begin the season as he’s been credited with 3 of the team’s 10 wins thus far.

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Over/Under

UNDER 8.5 (-105) is how I’d wager on the total with Smyly and Gore on the bump. The Under is 7-0 for the Cubs in Smyly’s last 7 starts against a team with a losing record. Also, the Under is 4-0 in Gore’s last 4 starts against a team with a winning record.

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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (48-67) finish their 3-game series Wednesday against the Washington Nationals (39-79). First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Cubs lead 3-2

Mimicking Game 1 of this series, the Cubs took the early lead and the  Nationals responded in the 8th. This time Nationals DH Luke Voit and LF Lane Thomas each hit solo home runs off RHP Rowan Wick.

After trading runs in the 10th. Cubs 3B Patrick Wisdom hit the go-ahead double in the 11th and RF Seiya Suzuki‘s single brought in an insurance run for the Cubs 7-5 win. The Nationals won Tuesday’s opener 5-4.

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Cubs at Nationals projected starters

LHP Drew Smyly vs. RHP Cory Abbott

Smyly (5-6, 3.69 ERA) makes his 16th start. He has a 1.28 WHIP, 2.2 BB/9 and 7.8 K/9 in 70 2/3 IP.

  • Hasn’t given up a run in his 2 August starts (11 2/3 IP)
  • The Cubs average 3.47 runs in support in his starts this season
  • Last start: 5 IP, 4 H, 0 R, 9 K in a Thursday win against the Cincinnati Reds

Abbott (0-2, 5.94 ERA) makes his 4th start and 7th appearance. He has a 1.56 WHIP, 5.9 BB/9 and 8.6 K/9 in 16 2/3 IP.

  • Selected by the Cubs in the 2nd round of 2017 draft
  • 7.11 ERA as a starter this year, 2.25 ERA as a reliever
  • 19.64 ERA in the 4th-6th innings compared to a 2.00 ERA in the 1st-3rd innings.

Cubs at Nationals odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:21 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Cubs -160 (bet $165 to win $100) | Nationals +133 (bet $100 to win $133)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (+100) | Nationals +1.5 (-120)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -140 | U: +112)

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Cubs at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Nationals 3

Money line

Smyly boasts a .571 winning percentage in away games, despite an elevated ERA compared to his home starts.

Also, the Nationals are 1-6 against teams with a losing record in their last 7 games. You should take the CUBS (-165), but you can get more value taking the run line.

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Run line/Against the spread

LEAN CUBS -1.5 (+100)

The Nationals struggle to cover at home, doing so less than 40% of the time. As an underdog they have the worst ATS record (44-58) in MLB.

The Cubs, on the other hand, cover 54% of the time they play on the road.

Over/Under

When the Cubs are the favored road team they have hit the Over 8 of their last 10 games.

And after a loss the Nationals have gone Under just once in their last 9 tries.

If Abbott can’t keep it together the 2nd and 3rd time through the order,  Washington will have to rely on a taxed bullpen.

Take the OVER 8.5 (-140)

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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB expert picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (47-67) dropped Game 1 of the 3-game series Monday and will look to rebound against the Washington Nationals (39-78) Tuesday evening. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. ET at Nationals Park. Let’s analyze Tipico Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Season series: Tied 2-2

The Cubs have lost 7 of 8 on the road, falling to 23-33 away from home on the season. They were up 3-0 Monday but succumbed late to fall by a 5-4 score.

Nats DH Nelson Cruz hit the go-ahead homer in the bottom of the 8th to seal the victory. The Nats have lost 9 of their last 12 games, with all 3 of the wins during that stretch being decided by just 1 run.

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Cubs at Nationals projected starters

LHP Justin Steele vs. LHP Patrick Corbin

Steele (4-7, 3.63 ERA) makes his 22nd start. He has a 1.41 WHIP, 3.8 BB/9 and 9.4 K/9 through 101 2/3 IP.

  • He got off to a rough start this season and had a 5.40 ERA at the end of May. In 11 starts since, he has recorded a 2.48 ERA and 8.8 K/9.
  • Steele allowed 2 ER on 8 H and struck out 9 over 6 IP in his last start against the Nats Aug. 10.
  • He has a strong 26.3% K% in eight road starts this season compared to 22.1% at home. But his road ERA sits at 4.71 while he owns a 3.03 mark at home.

Corbin (4-16, 7.02 ERA) makes his 24th start. He has a 1.82 WHIP, 3.3 BB/9 and 8.3 K/9 through 110 1/3 IP.

  • He has taken the loss in each of his last six starts, putting up a 12.46 ERA with 7 HR allowed in 21 2/3 IP over that span.
  • Corbin has made 12 starts at home, where he has posted a 5.17 ERA, 8.8 K/9, and 1.7 HR/9 across 62 2/3 IP.

Cubs at Nationals odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:35 a.m. ET.

  • Money line (ML): Cubs -180 (bet $180 to win $100) | Nationals +145 (bet $100 to win $145)
  • Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Cubs -1.5 (-103) | Nationals +1.5 (-117)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 8.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

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Cubs at Nationals picks and predictions

Prediction

Cubs 6, Nationals 3

Money line

Corbin has allowed at least 4 ER in 6 consecutive starts, and the Nationals have lost all of those games, being outscored 47-17 in that span. Chicago hasn’t been great on the road this season, but the bats should break out tonight, and Steele has been pitching very well. A small play on CUBS -180 should pay off.

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Run line/Against the spread

Washington is 8-15 since the All-Star break, with all but 1 of the losses being decided by more than 1 run. They have lost 9 of the last 10 games that Corbin has started and may struggle to keep this one close. Back the CUBS -1.5 (-103).

Over/Under

Corbin has had a disastrous season, and his struggles have escalated in recent weeks. The total has gone over in 4 of Corbin’s last 5 starts, and that trend should continue. Take the OVER 8.5 (-115).

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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Saturday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (50-55) and Washington Nationals (48-55) continue their three-game set at Nationals Park Saturday with the second game’s first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

Washington beat Chicago in the series opener Friday, 4-3, as Nationals starting RHP Paolo Espino allowed just 1 earned run over 5 1/3 innings of work and Washington’s bullpen held off the Cubs late-inning rally.

Season series: Cubs lead 3-2.

RHP Kyle Hendricks is Chicago’s projected starter. Hendricks is 12-4 with a 3.85 ERA (121 2/3 IP, 52 ER), 1.31 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 6.7 K/9 in 21 starts.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 4 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 9 H, 2 BB and 4 K in Chicago’s 6-5 victory over the Cincinnati Reds Monday.
  • 2021 road splits: 6-1 with a 3.34 ERA (62 IP, 23 ER), 1.26 WHIP, 4.4 K/BB over 10 starts.

RHP Joe Ross makes his 18th start for the Nationals. Ross is 5-8 with a 3.80 ERA (92 1/3 IP, 39 ER), 1.19 WHIP, 2.9 BB/9 and 9.3 K/9 this year.

  • Last outing: No-decision with 5 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 2 BB and 4 K in Washington’s 6-5 loss at the Philadelphia Phillies Monday.
  • Ross took a loss at the Cubs May 20 with a stat line of 3 2/3 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 1 BB and 3 K in Washington’s 5-2 defeat.
  • 2021 home splits: 2-4 with a 4.99 ERA (39 2/3 IP, 22 ER), 1.21 WHIP and 5.5 K/BB in seven starts.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

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Cubs at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 2:45 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Cubs +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Nationals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Cubs -1.5 (+165) | Nationals +1.5 (-200)
  • Over/Under: 8 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Prediction

Cubs 7, Nationals 4

Money line (ML)

Ehh, ya know? Saturday’s Cubs-Nationals game is akin to an NBA Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Detroit Pistons game in the middle of April. Both teams offloaded a ton of talent at the trade deadline and are in rebuild mode.

That being said, Hendricks is the differentiator in this matchup and provides value for the CUBS (+100) FIRST 5 INNINGS. Despite it being a lost year in Chicago, Hendricks is still a “top of the rotation” guy who figures to be part of the Cubs’ future.

Also, Ross has been awful at home and he has a .798 opponent’s OPS in Washington compared to a .624 opponent’s OPS on the road.

However, I’m sticking with the CUBS (+100) FIRST 5 INNINGS because Chicago traded away its three best bullpen arms at the trade deadline and the Cubs relievers have the fifth-worst FIP following the All-Star Break.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Slight “LEAN” to the CUBS -1.5 (+165) for a tiny wager because it’s a chunky payout, Hendricks is that much better than Ross and Washington’s bullpen is even worse than Chicago’s thus far in the second half.

Over/Under (O/U)

BET the OVER 8 (-105) for 1 unit because there’s been a “sharp line move” towards the Over as the total opened at 7.5 before it was steamed up to the current number.

As alluded to before, Washington’s bullpen has the highest FIP and home run per nine-inning rate following the All-Star Break with the lowest left-on-base percentage.

The Nationals also parted ways with two of their best bullpen arms at the trade deadline in former closer Brad Hand and reliever Daniel Hudson.

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Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds, picks and prediction

Analyzing Friday’s Chicago Cubs at Washington Nationals odds and lines, with MLB picks and predictions.

The Chicago Cubs (50-54) and Washington Nationals (47-55) wrap up their season series this weekend with a three-game set at Nationals Park. Friday’s first pitch will be at 7:05 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s lines around the Cubs vs. Nationals odds with MLB picks and predictions.

RHP Trevor Williams is the projected starting pitcher for the Cubs. He is 4-2 with a 5.06 ERA, 1.53 WHIP, 9.4 K/9 and 3.4 BB/9 over 58 2/3 IP spanning 12 starts and one relief appearance.

Williams has made three starts in Juny with a 4.20 ERA – his best rate of any month this season. In his last start, he pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings and struck out 6 batters to earn his fourth win of the season. May 20, he pitched 4 2/3 innings against the Nationals, allowing 2 runs on two solo home runs.

The Nationals hadn’t named a starting pitcher by the time of publishing, so they can be expected to roll out several relief pitchers. The Washington bullpen is 22nd in MLB this season with a 4.65 aggregate ERA.

MLB betting offers/promotions

BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.

  • Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
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Cubs at Nationals odds, lines, picks and prediction

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 5:05 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Cubs -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Nationals -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Cubs -1.5 (+140) | Nationals +1.5 (-165)
  • Over/Under: 9 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Prediction

Nationals 5, Cubs 3

Money line (ML)

Neither team has played well in the last week-plus, both going 4-6 in their last 10 games. The Nationals at least showed some hope against the Philadelphia Phillies; they split a four-game series by winning two of the last three contests

I like the NATIONALS (-110) at home Friday. They are 27-25 this season at Nationals Park and the Cubs have been terrible on the road, going 19-33 away from Wrigley.

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Run line/Against the spread (ATS)

Washington covered the spread in six of its last 10 games, including two of the last three against Philadelphia. Although the Nationals have been sellers ahead of the MLB trade deadline by dealing SS Trea Turner, RHP Max Scherzer and OF Kyle Schwarber, the Cubs are in the same boat.

With the Nationals being at home and facing a pitcher who has struggled this month, I like Washington. Bet the NATIONALS +1.5 (-165) to cover the spread.

Over/Under (O/U)

These teams combined for 7 total runs in each of their last two meetings, so they haven’t been high-scoring affairs. The Cubs dealt away 3B Kris Bryant and SS Javier Baez Friday, after trading 1B Anthony Rizzo. The Nats still have OF Juan Soto, but neither team is hitting the ball particularly well.

Bet the UNDER 9 (-105) Friday.

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