MLB Playoffs Betting Guide: Our Staff’s Favorite Bets for Monday’s ALDS, NLDS Action

Welcome to Manic Monday.

All four MLB playoff series are in action today and each matchup is an elimination game.

The Rays and Astros kick things off at 1:05 p.m. ET. The Rays will turn to their ace, Charlie Morton, to keep their season alive against his former team. The Astros will counter with Zack Greinke, making his Houston playoff debut as a -135 favorite over Tampa.

Atlanta scored three runs in the ninth inning to come back and defeat the Cardinals, 3-1, in Game 3. Rookie hurler Dakota Hudson will toe the rubber for St. Louis, while Dallas Keuchel will make his second start this series for Atlanta, this time as a +115 underdog.

After falling apart in Game 3, the Nationals have the luxury of putting their postseason hopes in the hands of Max Scherzer. ‘Mad’ Max and the Nationals are -135 against Rich Hill and the Dodgers.

Bettors are expecting Luis Severino and the Yankees to close out their series with the Twins, as the Bombers have moved to -150 after opening at -136. At the time of writing, 66% of the bets are on New York.

Our baseball staffers share their favorite betting strategies for Monday’s action:

Odds as of Monday at 11:30 a.m. ET and via PointsBet, where Action Network users get an exclusive 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).

Houston Astros at Tampa Bay Rays Odds

Zack Greinke (18-5, 2.93 ERA) vs. Charlie Morton (16-6, 3.05 ERA)

• Astros Moneyline: -135
• Home Moneyline: +115
• Over/Under: 7.5
• First pitch: 1:05 p.m. ET

Sean Zerillo

The Rays are the most profitable home underdog in our database, with a 181-188 record (49.1%), generating a consistent $100 bettor +$3,710 (10.1% ROI). Over the past three seasons, the Rays are 41-28 (59.4%, +$2,344) as a home underdog – suitable for a 34% return on investment.