An NL Central matchup has the Cincinnati Reds (76-83) going on the road to play the Chicago Cubs (81-78) on Friday afternoon. The Cubs are coming off losing a three-game series to the Philadelphia Phillies. On Wednesday, Philadelphia defeated Chicago 9-6. Meanwhile, Cincinnati is on a three-game skid. On Sept. 25, the Cleveland Guardians topped the Reds 5-2. Jameson Taillon (11-8, 3.41 ERA) is on the hill for Chicago. The Reds haven't announced their starter.
First pitch from Wrigley Field in Chicago is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Chicago is a -143 favorite on the money line (risk $143 to win $100) in the latest Reds vs. Cubs odds from SportsLine consensus, while the total number of runs Vegas thinks will be scored, or the over/under, is 6.5. Before making any Reds vs. Cubs picks, be sure to see the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer simulation model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. Entering the final full week of the MLB regular season season, it's on a 31-17 roll on top-rated run-line picks (+722) that dates back to last season. Anybody following has seen strong returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Reds vs. Cubs and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Now, here are several MLB odds and betting lines for Cubs vs. Reds:
- Reds vs. Cubs money line: Chicago -143, Cincinnati +121
- Reds vs. Cubs over/under: 6.5 runs
- Reds vs. Cubs run line: Chicago -1.5 (+158)
- CIN: The Cincinnati Reds have returned -1000 on the money line this season
- CHC: The Chicago Cubs have returned -543 on the money line this season
- Reds vs. Cubs picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why you should back the Reds
Shortstop Elly De La Cruz has the raw power to hammer extra-base hits with ease. He also uses his smooth glove to be an effective defender. He leads the team in batting average (.261), home runs (25) and hits (152) with 74 RBI.
Left fielder Spencer Steer makes hard contact due to his quick swing. Steer provides great versatility defensively but is a sound playmaker as a batter. The 26-year-old ranks first on the team in RBI (92) with 20 home runs and 34 doubles. He also has 25 stolen bases on the year. See which team to pick here.
Why you should back the Cubs
The Cubs have a range of players who can contribute consistently. Left fielder Ian Happ is a reliable difference-maker for Chicago. Happ has great plate coverage and owns the power to drive in runs. The 30-year-old hits .244 with 25 home runs and 86 RBI. On Sept. 19 against the Washington Nationals, Happ went 3-of-5 with three base hits and two runs scored.
Center fielder Cody Bellinger provides Chicago with an impactful slugger as well. Bellinger has solid footwork at the dish and pitch recognition skills that help him push the ball anywhere on the diamond. The 29-year-old hits .267 with 18 dingers and 78 RBI. On Tuesday against the Phillies, Bellinger went 3-of-5 with a triple and four RBIs. See which team to pick here.
How to make Reds vs. Cubs picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the run total, projecting 9.2 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the MLB model's picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Reds vs. Cubs, and which side has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that's on a 30-15 roll on top-rated MLB run-line picks, and find out.
