The Washington Nationals (51-75) and New York Mets (67-59) will face off in the MLB this afternoon. First pitch from Nationals Park is scheduled for 4:05 p.m. ET. The game will broadcast live on SNY.
New York is a -140 favorite to win outright on the moneyline, while Washington is +120 to pull off the upset. The over/under is set at 8.5 total runs.
Continue below for my Mets vs Nationals predictions and MLB picks for Thursday, August 21, as well as probable pitchers, betting trends, injury reports and more.
My Mets vs Nationals Prediction
- Mets vs Nationals pick: Under 8.5 Runs (-120)
My Nationals vs Mets best bet is on the under, with the best price currently available at Fanatics. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Mets vs Nationals Odds
| Mets Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 +122 | 8.5 +100o / -120u | -140 |
| Nationals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -145 | 8.5 +100o / -120u | +120 |
Mets vs Nationals Preview, Picks
This system targets unders in regular-season MLB games where softer home starting pitchers — low strikeout rates and moderate WHIP — are on the mound in Games 3 or 4 of a series, which is the situation in today's matchup between the Mets and Nationals.
By this point in the series, hitters have seen multiple arms and scouting reports are sharper, yet scoring remains muted when the matchup lacks overpowering velocity and winds remain neutral.
The setup avoids exaggerated run environments by filtering out strong directional wind influence, keeping offensive surges in check.
With the home team in the middle of the season grind, winning at a modest clip, the market may overlook how often these quiet conditions lead to slower-paced, low-scoring outcomes.
Mets vs Nationals Best Bet
- Under 8.5 (-120)
Mets vs Nationals Betting Trends
