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Nationals vs. Cubs Prediction, Odds, Probable Pitchers, Prop Bets for MLB Opening Day

Cade Cavalli and the Nationals are road underdogs in Chicago.
Cade Cavalli and the Nationals are road underdogs in Chicago.
Cade Cavalli and the Nationals are road underdogs in Chicago. | Brad Mills-Imagn Images

The Chicago Cubs are one of the biggest favorites on the board for MLB Opening Day as they host the Washington Nationals. 

Chicago went 92-70 last season, including an impressive 50-31 at home, while Washington had just 66 wins on the year.

The Cubs are looking to start this season on a high note on Thursday afternoon at Wrigley.

Here are the odds, probable pitchers, and predictions for Nationals vs. Cubs on MLB Opening Day.

Nationals vs. Cubs Odds, Run Line and Total

Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook

Run Line

  • Nationals +1.5 (-112)
  • Cubs -1.5 (-108)

Moneyline

  • Nationals +184
  • Cubs -226

Total

  • 8 (Over -105/Under -115)

Nationals vs. Cubs Probable Pitchers

  • Nationals: Cade Cavalli (3-1, 4.25 ERA in 2025)
  • Cubs: Matthew Boyd (14-8, 3.21 ERA in 2025)

Nationals vs. Cubs How to Watch

  • Date: Thursday, March 26
  • Time: 2:20 p.m. ET
  • Venue: Wrigley Field
  • How to Watch (TV): NATS, MARQ
  • Nationals record: 0-0
  • Cubs record: 0-0

Nationals vs. Cubs Best MLB Prop Bets

Nationals Best MLB Prop Bet

Cade Cavalli worked his way up through the system in recent years and is now the Opening Day starter for the Nationals. He made his second major-league start last season in August, and picked up his first MLB win a few weeks later against the Phillies.

Cavalli pitched at least five innings in 7 of 10 starts last season, and there should be favorable conditions in Chicago on Thursday afternoon. The wind is expected to be blowing in from left field, and there is a chance of rain later on in the day.

I’m expecting a lower-scoring game – which I’ll get to next – that allows Cavalli to get through at least five innings. He only allowed four hits and one unearned run in 12 innings across four spring training starts this season.

Nationals vs. Cubs Prediction and Pick

As mentioned above, it’s going to be pitching weather at Wrigley Field this afternoon. The winds are blowing in, and that’s good news for the UNDER.

I’m a bit wary of the Cubs being able to string some hits together to put up a crooked number, but this total still feels too high given the situation.

Pick: UNDER 8 (-115)


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Published | Modified
Ryan Gilbert
RYAN GILBERT

Ryan is a sports betting writer at Sports Illustrated. He has experience working for NHL.com, NBC Sports, Covers, and more throughout his decade in the industry. As a Philadelphia native, he understands the passion and pain that come with being a sports fan.

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