Wrigley Field hosts a National League matchup on Friday afternoon in Chicago. The Colorado Rockies visit the Chicago Cubs to begin a three-game weekend series. Chicago is 61-82 this season, but the Cubs are coming off a three-game sweep over the New York Mets. Colorado is 62-81 after a seven-game stretch with a 5-2 record and a road win over the Chicago White Sox on Wednesday.
First pitch is at 2:20 p.m. ET in Chicago. Caesars Sportsbook lists Chicago as a -135 favorite (risk $135 to win $100) on the money line, while the over/under, or total number of runs Vegas thinks will be scored, is 8.5 in the latest Rockies vs. Cubs odds. Before making any Cubs vs. Rockies picks, be sure to see the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.
The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times, and it is a 316-272 on top-rated MLB money-line picks since the start of the 2021 season. This is the same model that pegged the 2021 Atlanta Braves at 10-1 as one of three best bets to win it all last season. Anybody who has followed it has seen profitable returns.
Now, the model has set its sights on Cubs vs. Rockies and revealed its coveted picks and predictions. You can head to SportsLine to see all of the model's MLB picks. Here are several MLB odds and trends for Rockies vs. Cubs:
- Rockies vs. Cubs money line: Cubs -135, Rockies +115
- Rockies vs. Cubs over/under: 8.5 runs
- Rockies vs. Cubs run line: Cubs -1.5 (+168)
- COL: The Rockies are 21-31 in day games
- CHI: The Cubs are 29-29 in day games
- Rockies vs. Cubs picks: See picks at SportsLine
Why you should back the Rockies
The Rockies project as the superior offensive team in this matchup. Colorado is in the top three of the National League in hits, batting average, and triples in 2022. The Rockies are also in the top four of the league in on-base percentage, doubles and strikeout avoidance, with above-average marks in runs scored, slugging percentage, and total bases among NL clubs. CJ Cron is enjoying a tremendous season with 28 home runs and 26 doubles, and the 32-year-old All-Star has a .485 slugging percentage in 2022 with an .854 OPS over the last three seasons.
On the other side, Chicago ranks in the bottom five of the league in runs scored, strikeouts, and on-base percentage this season. The Rockies also have a comfortable lead in wins above replacement from relief pitchers when compared to Chicago, and starter German Marquez has been much better on the road this season with a 3.58 ERA.
Why you should back the Cubs
Chicago's optimism on Friday is heavily tied to starting pitcher Marcus Stroman. The 31-year-old former All-Star is pitching well in recent days, posting a 2.89 ERA over his last 12 outings. Stroman has a 3.91 ERA and a 3.77 FIP for the season, issuing only 2.4 walks per nine innings. Opponents have only a .681 OPS against Stroman this season, and Colorado's offense has some notable shortcomings.
The Rockies are No. 13 in the National League in home runs, No. 12 in walks, and No. 14 in stolen bases this season. On the offensive side, Chicago can benefit from the struggles of Marquez, who has a 5.25 ERA this season. The Cubs also have tremendous team speed, resulting in top-three marks in the National League in both stolen bases and triples.
How to make Cubs vs. Rockies picks
SportsLine's model is leaning Over on the total, projecting 9.9 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model's MLB picks at SportsLine.
So who wins Rockies vs. Cubs? And which side has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.
