Dodgers vs Nationals

Clayton Kershaw may not be the ace he once was, but the Dodgers have barely missed a beat, racing to a 9-2 record to start the young season. Behind the dominant bat of Mookie Betts and a scorching Freddie Freeman, Los Angeles continues to slice through opponents. In contrast, the Nats limp into this matchup with a 3-6 run to start the season. Injuries to key bullpen pieces like Michael Soroka have stressed the Nats' already thin roster, leaving starter Josiah Gray in a pressure-cooker against arguably the league’s best offense. Betts has notched a .320 career average versus Washington pitching and looks primed to extend the rally. While traveling cross-country can dim some West Coast team edges, the Nationals' struggles make this a favorable nod for the Blue Crew. The moneyline at -190 isn’t value-rich, so it earns a B+ for likely success but reduced return. Odds and availability are subject to change.

Dustin May takes the mound for the Dodgers who have had a roaring start, but don’t expect a complete shutdown against the streaky sticks of the Nationals. While L.A.’s lineup is rolling behind scorching-hot starts from Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman, the Nationals have at least one reason to smile despite their 3-6 start: CJ Abrams, who has quietly crushed Dodgers pitching historically. The Nats' bullpen has been battered early, owning one of the worst team ERAs in the league, greatly increasing the odds of late-inning fireworks from the Dodgers' deep bench. While Washington’s pitching staff lacks velocity and command consistency, that won’t slow down the top-run producing lineup in MLB so far. Even if May gives up just a couple of runs, the power surge from Los Angeles could push this one over the 8-run total by the seventh inning. Considering both clubs have shown either explosive offense or troubling relief pitching, the Over has solid rationale and strong upside. Odds and availability are subject to change.

Despite the Nationals' early-season funk, this matchup may set up for a deceptive cover opportunity. The Boys in Blue are riding high at 9-2, buoyed by Mookie Betts’ explosive start and Shohei Ohtani’s newfound groove at the plate. But with Dustin May set to take the mound, the Dodgers' ace-heavy rotation may get tested by a Nationals lineup showing flickers of life despite its 3-6 record. Additionally, the Dodgers will be without Freddie Freeman due to his lingering ankle issue—removing a key bat from a lineup tilted against Mackenzie Gore, who has quietly held right-handed hitters to a sub-.200 average in his last six starts. While Los Angeles is a popular public pick, the betting edge leans toward Washington potentially sneaking under the 1.5-run margin, especially in their home park. If the Nationals’ bullpen can hold late, this wager brings decent value and moderate risk for sharp bettors. Odds and availability are subject to change.