Along with the rest of the betting public, I’m all in on the over with regards to the total in this game; I wrote it up as part of my MLB Best Bets column today. Having said that, I think this potential October preview between Chicago and San Francisco at Wrigley has plenty of fertile betting ground beyond just the total. Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for this Monday night baseball game between the Cubs and the Giants.
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.
Cubs vs. Giants prediction, preview
Boyd has been nothing short of reliable, sporting a 2.70 ERA and a solid 1.44 WHIP across his 33.1 innings of work this season. At home, he’s even better, with a 2.25 ERA over his last two starts at Wrigley. The Cubs, as an offense, have been explosive—first in MLB with a .262 team batting average and a blistering 208 runs on the year. Led by Kyle Tucker’s .292 average and 30 RBIs, along with the consistent Ian Happ and Carson Kelly, Chicago’s lineup can strike from every angle. This offense, combined with Boyd’s ability to manage the game, spells trouble for a Giants squad that’s far from potent at the plate.
Pete Crow-Armstrong has been a revelation at the bottom of the Cubs’ order, providing energy and production. His 23.5% hard-hit rate ranks in the 90th percentile of MLB players, a rare bright spot in an otherwise inconsistent bottom third of the order. The Cubs’ defense, led by standout performances from Nico Hoerner at second base and PCA in center, keeps the ship steady, too.
The Giants, for all their grit, face a tough road ahead. Landen Roupp, their starter tonight, has been inconsistent at best, with a 5.10 ERA across six starts. His road performances have been particularly taxing, where he has a bloated 5.75 ERA and a 1.63 WHIP. While Roupp’s strikeout rate is decent, his ability to limit hard contact on the road is concerning. The Cubs will certainly capitalize on his inability to consistently locate, especially against a lineup that’s been hitting like gangbusters.
Giants vs. Cubs pick, best bet
San Francisco has managed to grind out wins, particularly through its pitching—currently sixth in the MLB in team ERA (3.44). However, the lack of offensive firepower (ranked 24th in batting average) means they’ll struggle to match the Cubs’ output in a high-scoring game. Boyd’s methodical approach will likely keep the Giants’ power hitters at bay, and his ability to navigate the first five innings with ease could prove pivotal in a game where the Cubs are favored heavily.
When it comes to the spread, the Cubs have been covering with confidence, especially at home. They’ve dominated against the spread (ATS) in recent contests, particularly after a loss, where they’ve bounced back strong. On the other hand, the Giants have been shaky on the road, failing to cover in six straight night games against NL opponents following a home win. The wind at Wrigley will also help Boyd keep fly balls in check, limiting any Giants offensive burst.
Cubs -1.5 at +135 is the play. Their pitching staff has been steady, Boyd’s dominance at home is clear, and their lineup will continue to batter Roupp and the Giants’ inconsistent bullpen. The Cubs win this one by a margin.
Best bet: Cubs -1.5 (+130) vs. Giants
Cubs take the first in the battle of NL titans—tail it with me in the DKN Betting Group here!
