Bettors Backing Astros as One of the Biggest Favorites Since 2005

Public bettors went 2-1 on their three top spots Saturday, but actually lost money due to the hefty prices they paid.

Still, they're sticking with their strategy of backing favorites, which today includes one of the biggest lines of the season.

All data as of 10:45 a.m. ET. For live info, check out our MLB live odds page.

Washington Nationals (-145) at New York Mets

1:10 p.m. ET

Eighty percent of bets and 91% of dollars are on the Nationals. They have risen from -130 to -145 as a result.

Why the public loves Washington: Any opportunity to bet against the Mets at a low price feels like a gift to the public, and today they get to do it by betting on a one of the best lineups in baseball. The Nats have also dropped two straight to New York, which, in the eyes of public bettors, means they're due for a W this afternoon.

Houston Astros (-400) vs. Detroit Tigers

2:10 p.m. ET

As it stands now, the Astros are the second-largest favorite of the MLB season and one of seven teams since 2005 to be a -400 favorite or more. The public is still laying the wood: 75% of bettors and 85% of dollars are Houston, as it moved from -325 to -400.

Why the public loves Houston: The Stros are 23.5 games ahead of Detroit in the American League, and they've got Justin Verlander on the bump today. This line could be -600 and the public would still be all over Houston.

Chicago Cubs (-137) at San Diego Padres

4:10 p.m. ET

With 82% of bettors behind them, the Cubbies are Sunday's most popular public play. They've only drawn 63% of dollars, though, falling from -175 to -137 as a result.

Why the public loves Chicago: Jon Lester is on the mound for the Cubs today, and he's bringing his public following with him. Since 2015, he's only received less than 50% of bettors twice.