The Chicago Cubs host the Washington Nationals on March 26, 2026. First pitch from Wrigley Field is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. EDT. The game will be broadcast on MARQ.
The Cubs are favored by -220 on the moneyline and by -1.5 on the run line. The Nationals are +184 on the moneyline and +1.5 on the run line. The total is set at 8 runs.
Find my MLB picks and Nationals vs Cubs prediction below, as well as probable pitchers, weather report, and more.
Nationals vs Cubs Prediction
- Nationals vs Cubs Pick: Under 9 (-115 or Better)
My Nationals vs Cubs best bet is on the Under. Make sure to find the best odds by checking our live MLB odds page.
Nationals vs Cubs Odds
| Nationals Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+1.5 -118 | 8 -105o / -115u | +184 |
| Cubs Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-1.5 -102 | 8 -105o / -115u | -220 |
- Nationals vs Cubs spread: Cubs -1.5 (-102), Nationals +1.5 (-118)
- Nationals vs Cubs over/under: 8 (-105 / -115)
- Nationals vs Cubs moneyline: Nationals +184, Cubs -220
Nationals vs Cubs Betting Preview
Washington Nationals Betting Preview
The Washington Nationals hand the ball to right-hander Cade Cavalli on Opening Day.
The No. 22 overall pick by Washington in the 2020 MLB draft, Cavalli had big expectations before multiple injuries that sidelined him from 2022 until his return in 2025.
Despite some inconsistent results, there was a lot to like about Cavalli’s performance following the hiatus. His fastball velocity increased, and he did a great job of generating swings and misses.
Cavalli finished 2025 in the 95th percentile among qualified pitchers in chase rate and the 72nd percentile in whiff rate. He also did an excellent job limiting hard contact, ranking in the 85th percentile for average exit velocity allowed and in the 95th percentile for barrel rate allowed.
With a full spring training under his belt, Cavalli is a potential breakout candidate this season. Through 14 innings this spring, the right-hander posted a spotless 0.00 ERA and a 5-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Chicago Cubs Betting Preview
A pitching duel could be in store, as left-hander Matthew Boyd gets the ball for the Chicago Cubs.
One of the best pitchers in the National League last year, Boyd posted a 14-8 record with a 3.21 ERA and 1.09 WHIP across 31 starts.
His underlying metrics were also impressive, as the southpaw finished in the top half of the league in xERA, average exit velocity allowed, walk rate, and hard-hit rate allowed.
Boyd is likely to start this season on a strong note, considering how poorly Washington’s lineup projects.
In 2025, the Nationals finished in the bottom half of the league in runs scored per game, batting average, slugging percentage, and OPS.
Therefore, it should not be surprising that Boyd fared well in both of his starts against Washington last year. Across those two outings, the left-hander posted a 2.51 ERA.
Nationals vs Cubs Pick, Betting Analysis
There were three or fewer total runs scored in each of Boyd’s two starts against the Nationals last season, and another low-scoring affair is likely on Opening Day.
The biggest question mark in this contest is how Cavalli will handle a strong Cubs lineup.
That said, Cavalli looked phenomenal this spring, building on a solid showing last year in his return from an extended hiatus. He has shown he still has the tools to fulfill the expectations of a first-round draft pick.
Even if he struggles in this outing, Boyd should have no issues against a lackluster Washington offense.
Pick: Under 9 (-115 or Better)
