In a perfect world, the Braves would present a major challenge to the Dodgers (68%) in the NLDS, but Atlanta's rotation has been scrambled after a difficult Wild Card Series against Philadelphia.
With the Braves being into a bullpen game against Tarik Skubal, my Braves vs. Dodgers predictions and MLB picks have Los Angeles opening the series with a Game 1 win on Saturday, Oct. 3.
I'm also leaning on Skubal in my Braves vs. Dodgers props.
Braves vs Dodgers prediction: Dodgers -1.5
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
The Los Angeles Dodgers moneyline is too expensive for my liking, so I'll surrender the 1.5 runs, especially if the probability remains close to 50%. Eleven of the Dodgers' last 12 wins have come by multiple runs, so laying the extra run isn't as big a concession as it might seem.
The Dodgers won five of six meetings with Atlanta this season, and the Atlanta Braves' pitching situation is significantly worse now. Bryce Elder is unlikely to make the NLDS roster because of injury, Spencer Strider is out for the year, and Chris Sale pitched twice during the Wild Card Series and won't be available Saturday.
AJ Smith-Shawver, who started Atlanta's other win over Los Angeles, hasn't made a start in nearly a month. That leaves the Braves opening the series with a bullpen game against Skubal.
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Braves vs Dodgers combo
Brent Suter, who opened the second-to-last game of the regular season, is the most likely candidate to pitch the bulk of Atlanta's bullpen game once Dylan Dodd exits. His 1.424 career WHIP against the Dodgers is his second-highest mark against any National League opponent. Los Angeles has hit .279 with an .846 OPS and 136 OPS+ against him.
The game isn't likely to completely get out of hand, either. The Dodgers started the season hot, but since July, L.A. ranks 15th in MLB in scoring and 11th in OPS. That middle-of-the-pack offense should be able to grab an early lead and hold it without necessarily turning the game into a shootout. Only two of the Dodgers' final 10 games went Over the total.
Braves vs Dodgers combo
- Dodgers -1.5
- Under 8.5
- Dodgers F5 moneyline
TOP PICK
Braves vs Dodgers player prop: Tarik Skubal Under 4.5 hits allowed
The Dodgers were expected to start Yoshinobu Yamamoto in Game 1 before switching to Tarik Skubal roughly 25 hours before first pitch, and the matchup helps explain why.
Atlanta hit 10 points lower against left-handed pitching this season while losing roughly 20 points of slugging percentage. The Braves posted a .696 OPS against southpaws, 5% below league average, compared to a .730 OPS and above-average production against right-handers.
Skubal has allowed four or fewer hits in six of his 10 starts as a Dodger, including four of his last six.
COVERS INTEL: After a shaky start with the Dodgers, Los Angeles has won Skubal's last seven starts, with Skubal earning the decision in five of them.Braves vs Dodgers home run prediction: Matt Olson
Olson recorded hits in each of the final two games of the Wild Card Series, including a home run Thursday. Over the last two weeks, he's hit 30% better than league average while posting a .306/.321/.510 slash line with three home runs.
He also hit 16 points higher against left-handers this season, making him one of the few Braves who performed better with a southpaw on the mound. Olson posted an .885 OPS and 166 OPS+ with two homers in six games against the Dodgers this year, and he's slashed .300/.364/.400 against Skubal in his career.
For more home run picks, read Quinn Allen's home run props for Saturday, Oct. 3.
Braves vs Dodgers weather
It's a day game in Los Angeles that will be played under an extreme heat warning, with temperatures expected to reach 101 degrees. There's no chance of rain and very little wind expected, leaving the heat as the primary weather factor.
Braves vs Dodgers odds today
- Moneyline: Braves 33% | Dodgers 68%
- Run line: Braves +1.5 (51%) | Dodgers -1.5 (50%)
- Over/Under: Over 8.5 (49%) | Under 8.5 (52%)
- Top picks: 34-42, -1.69 units
- Combos: 47-24, +12.52 units
Braves vs Dodgers trend
The Dodgers have hit the Under in six of their last seven games (+6.00 units / 81% ROI). Find more MLB betting trends for Braves vs. Dodgers.
How to watch Braves vs Dodgers today and game info
| Location | Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, CA |
| Date | Saturday, Oct. 3, 2026 |
| First pitch | 4 p.m. ET |
| TV | FOX |
| Braves starting pitcher | Dylan Dodd (4-1, 2.54 ERA) |
| Dodgers starting pitcher | Tarik Skubal (12-7, 2.72 ERA) |
Braves vs Dodgers latest injuries
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
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