The Cubs are red-hot on the road, and they’re going to bring the noise tonight against a shaky Milwaukee pitching staff. It’s the first time these two rivals face off in 2025, too. These two teams have been hitting at almost the same rate the last ten days—which is to say, with great force of purpose. Not as easy a matchup as you might think. Get ready, however, for some fireworks. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Friday night baseball game between the Cubs and the Brewers.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Brewers vs. Cubs prediction, preview
Quinn Priester’s 3.79 ERA suggests an emerging young arm, but when you dig deeper, it’s clear he’s walking a tightrope. His strikeout rate is in the bottom 15th percentile, sitting at an abysmal 15.3%, and his walk rate is just as troublesome at 14.1%. Priester is surrendering plenty of contact, and against a Cubs lineup that boasts the highest OPS on the road (.818), those mistakes will get punished. We’re talking about a team that leads the league in scoring, averaging six runs per game, and is second in batting average at .264. They’ve been an offensive juggernaut, especially on the road where they thrive, and now they’ll face a pitcher who gives up too much hard contact and doesn’t miss enough bats.
Speaking of the Cubs’ offense, it’s firing on all cylinders. Kyle Tucker, who’s driving in runs at an elite clip (28 RBI, nine HRs), is part of a lineup that’s second in OPS, third in home runs, and top in runs scored. Ben Brown’s rough ERA of 6.04, compounded by his struggles with control (14 walks in 25.1 innings), adds another wrinkle to Chicago’s chances of putting up crooked numbers. The Cubs may not have the cleanest pitching staff, but with their offensive depth and the Brewers’ shaky bullpen (27th in ERA), expect the Cubs’ lineup to feast.
My very favorite player, Pete Crow-Armstrong, has been a revelation at the bottom of the Cubs’ order. Unexpected power and very expected speed with 10 doubles, six homers, and 12 stolen bases.
Cubs vs. Brewers pick, best bet
The Brewers, on the other hand, are coming off a troubling 8-0 loss to the White Sox and have been inconsistent offensively. They’ve shown flashes, but their .244 team batting average leaves much to be desired. While Jackson Chourio and Brice Turang are bright spots, they’ll need to capitalize on any mistakes by Ben Brown. The Brewers will rely on Priester to keep things tight, but given his lack of strikeout ability and the Cubs’ penchant for putting up big numbers, it’s hard to see Milwaukee’s offense carrying them in this one.
Given the Cubs’ superior offense and the struggles of Priester and the Brewers’ bullpen, the value is clear. Chicago’s lineup will put too much pressure on Priester, and the Cubs will score enough to clear their team total over 4.5. Despite the Cubs’ pitching concerns, they should have more than enough offensive firepower to cover this number. Lock it in.
Best bet: Cubs team total o4.5 (-110)
Cubs bats keep bopping; tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
