There’s afternoon baseball at Wrigley Field with the Washington Nationals visiting the Chicago Cubs on Thursday, March 26.
My top Nationals vs. Cubs predictions and MLB picks for the season opener call for a low-scoring game with the unfavorable weather at the Friendly Confines today.
Nationals vs Cubs predictions
Nationals vs Cubs best bet: Under 7.5 (-105)
The Windy City is going to live up to its name this afternoon, and runs are going to be at a premium with the wind howling in at Wrigley Field.
Chicago Cubs southpaw Matthew Boyd faces a Washington Nationals offense that finished 28th in wOBA against lefties in 2025, and the Cubbies will draw Washington rookie Cade Cavalli following a dominant spring of 14 scoreless innings while allowing just six baserunners.
The weather forecast is also calling for a strong cold front to pass through Chicago with temperatures dropping and potential precipitation.
COVERS INTEL: Washington had the third-highest groundball rate (46.6%) against lefties in 2025.
Nationals vs Cubs same-game parlay (SGP)
The Nationals are moving in the right direction, and while I think Cavalli will do his part to keep this total Under the number, he’s set to face a deep and patient lineup. Chicago went 50-31 at home last year and finished eighth in wOBA against right-handed hurlers, too.
Returning to Boyd, he fanned 5+ batters in 19 of 31 starts last season, and Washington finished the year with the third-highest strikeout percentage against lefties. I’m also expecting a strong start to the season for Boyd in the strikeout department after posting a 9.2 K/9 and 24.7 K% through his first 12 starts last year.
Nationals vs Cubs SGP
- Cubs -1.5
- Under 7.5
- Matthew Boyd Over 4.5 strikeouts
Nationals vs Cubs home run pick: Moises Ballesteros (+700)
A homer in Wrigley is likely a long shot today, so I’m looking at Chicago designated hitter Moises Ballesteros at long odds to leave the yard. He hit a pair of bombs in Spring Training, in addition to both his 2025 home runs in the majors coming against righties alongside his solid .182 ISO.
Nationals vs Cubs odds
- Moneyline: Washington +190 | Chicago -230
- Run line: Washington +1.5 (-113) | Chicago -1.5 (-106)
- Over/Under: Over 7.5 (-102) | Under 7.5 (-120)
Nationals vs Cubs trend
The Cubs have cashed the Under in 64 of their last 117 games for +13.65 units and a 11% ROI. Find more MLB betting trends for Nationals vs. Cubs.
How to watch Nationals vs Cubs and game info
| Location | Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL |
| Date | Thursday, March 26, 2026 |
| First pitch | 2:20 p.m. ET |
| TV | Nationals TV, Marquee |
| Nationals starting pitcher | Cade Cavalli (2025: 3-1, 4.25 ERA) |
| Cubs starting pitcher | Matthew Boyd (2025: 14-8, 3.21 ERA) |
Nationals vs Cubs latest injuries
Nationals vs Cubs weather
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
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