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The Los Angeles Dodgers host the Atlanta Braves on October 3, 2026. First pitch from UNIQLO Field at Dodger Stadium is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on FOX.
The Dodgers are favored by -220 on the moneyline and by -1.5 on the run line. The Braves are +180 on the moneyline and +1.5 on the run line. The total is set at 8.5 runs.
Find my MLB picks and Braves vs Dodgers prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, weather report, and more.
Braves vs Dodgers Prediction
- Braves vs Dodgers Pick: Tarik Skubal Over 1.5 ER (-135)
My Braves vs Dodgers best bet is on Tarik Skubal to allow two or more earned runs this afternoon. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page, and download the Action Network app for more picks and analysis.
Braves vs Dodgers Odds
| Braves Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -115 | 8.5 100o / -120u | +180 |
| Dodgers Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -105 | 8.5 100o / -120u | -220 |
- Braves vs Dodgers moneyline: Braves +180, Dodgers -220
- Braves vs Dodgers over/under: 8.5 (+100o / -120u)
- Braves vs Dodgers spread: Braves +1.5 (-115), Dodgers -1.5 (-105)
Braves vs Dodgers Probable Pitchers
| JR Ritchie (RHP, ATL) | Stat | Tarik Skubal (LHP, LAD) |
|---|---|---|
| 1-5 | W-L | 12-7 |
| -0.3 | fWAR (FanGraphs) | 5.2 |
| 4.91 / 5.15 | ERA / xERA | 2.72 / 2.94 |
| 5.56 / 4.71 | FIP / xFIP | 2.51 / 2.70 |
| 7.7 | K-BB% | 25.6 |
| 46.4 | GB% | 43.1 |
| .265 | BABIP | 2.89 |
| 95 | Stuff+ | 117 |
| 96 | Location+ | 106 |
Braves vs Dodgers MLB Betting Preview
Atlanta Braves Betting Preview
Atlanta defeated their division rival, the Philadelphia Phillies, in a three-game Wild Card series to earn their trip to the NLDS. Unfortunately, they now face the back-to-back World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
The Braves' record is the worst among the three NL division winners, but their run differential was the fourth-best in baseball. They seek their second World Series title since 2021 after winning their first NL East crown since 2023.
The Braves hit a skid in the past two seasons as several key players underperformed and star OF Ronald Acuna Jr. dealt with a myriad of injuries.
Acuna Jr.'s 107 games in 2026 are the most he has played since 2023. Injuries still plagued him this season, but he is entering the postseason at full strength.
Nevertheless, Matt Olson and Michael Harris II are having significant bounce-back seasons, while Drake Baldwin carried his 2025 breakout performance into 2026.
The Braves' top half of the order and bullpen are among the best in baseball, along with ace Chris Sale. However, they lack depth. The bottom third of the order is very weak, and their rotation is very thin. Deadline SP acquisition Tyler Mahle is saving them from an embarrassing playoff exit.
Talent is not a concern for Atlanta, but they need production from former stars like Ozzie Albies and Austin Riley. If those two can play up to their potential production, the Braves will be a tough out in this series and the rest. Otherwise, they will be lucky to win games not started by Sale.
Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
The Dodgers won the NL West again and earned an automatic NLDS bid with their first 100-win season since 2023. This marks the Dodgers' sixth 100-win season in the past 10 years as they seek the fourth World Series title in this span.
While the team did not finish with the best record in baseball this season, they are arguably stronger than their past two World Series teams. Tarik Skubal joined the club just two months ago, Kyle Tucker found his bat in September (140 wRC+), and the veteran SP duo of Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow combined for only 116 2/3 IP.
Shohei Ohtani will not be pitching this postseason, but that is a small price to pay for his health. He was activated in the final week of the regular season and plans on DH-ing regularly throughout the playoffs.
Luckily, the Dodgers have plenty of other reinforcements to make up for Ohtani's absence on the mound. Kris Bubic and offseason signing Edwin Diaz returned from the Injured List and have pitched well in September.
Also, Andy Pages was activated from the IL alongside Ohtani. The Dodgers will enter this series at full strength, with a veteran roster that knows what it takes to win.
Braves vs Dodgers Pick, Betting Analysis
This game has a total of 8.5 runs (after opening at 8), yet Skubal's earned runs line is only 1.5. This low line isn't uncommon for the Dodgers starter, especially against a Braves offense that ranks bottom-eight against LHP.
However, with Skubal's innings line at 17.5 and the stress of making his first postseason start at Dodger Stadium in Game 1, I think the odds are better than -135 that he will allow at least two ER.
The weather in Los Angeles at the time of this game will be peaking just above 100 degrees. Skubal is historically a better pitcher in day games than at night, but this extreme October heat could cause the reigning AL Cy Young winner problems, especially if he is left on the mound for an excessive half-inning.
Also, Skubal has allowed over 1.5 runs in five of his six Dodgers home starts against the mediocre Giants, Reds, Cardinals, Pirates, and Royals. If he gets into minor trouble early, manager Dave Roberts will let him work through mistakes.
The Dodgers bullpen is strong and can alleviate potential ER with runners left on base, but Skubal should have multiple innings to get us over 1.5.
Pick: Tarik Skubal Over 1.5 ER (-135, BetMGM)
