Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds Prediction and Picks, August 28, 2026

Plus, the Cubs have been averaging nearly one run more than their opponents in the last 12 games we looked at, showing they know how to find ways to win. The Reds have struggled lately, winning only 3 of their last 10 games and have been coming up short by about 1.7 runs per game in that same stretch. With the Cubs playing at home in Wrigley Field, they have the advantage here. While the Reds can surprise, the Cubs seem to have a good chance to take this one.

Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds: Chicago Cubs -1.5 Spread (+114)

The Chicago Cubs have been solid against left-handed pitchers this year, hitting much better than average. They've scored almost a full run more than their opponents in their recent games, showing they can put points on the board. The Reds, on the other hand, have struggled lately, winning only three of their last ten games and averaging almost two runs behind their opponents in the same stretch. With the Cubs playing at home and looking strong against lefties, I like them to win by at least two runs. The biggest risk here is that the Reds could surprise, especially if their hitters step up against the Cubs' pitching. Still, the Cubs have been the better team lately, making this a solid pick.

Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds: Over 8.5 Total Runs (+100)

Chicago Cubs play Cincinnati Reds in the MLB. The bet we are looking at is Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds: Over 8.5 Total Runs (+100). That is a totals bet. It was priced at +100 when we wrote this, so a $10 bet returns $20 if it lands. Our model rates this one a lean pick. Prices move, so check the price at your bookmaker before you back it. And if this one does not feel right to you, skipping it is a perfectly good move.

Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds: Michael Conforto Under 0.5 Batter - Hits (+102)

Michael Conforto needs to have no hits tonight for this bet to win. He has had a tough time lately, with his hits bouncing from none to a few, but he often ends up with zero. The Chicago Cubs have been decent against left-handed pitchers, but Conforto's recent form shows he's struggled to make contact consistently. The Cincinnati Reds have been falling short in their games and are not hitting well against lefties, which adds to the challenge for Conforto. The Cubs have also been scoring well lately, but there's a real chance that Conforto might not find his way on base tonight, especially since he has had a few games with no hits at all.

Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds: Ivan Johnson Under 0.5 Batter - Hits (-135)

Ivan Johnson has been struggling lately, with his hits in the last nine games going from none to just a few. He's had games with zero hits and hasn't been consistent at the plate. The Cubs have a solid approach against left-handed pitchers, which puts added pressure on Ivan to perform. The Cubs are also better than the Reds when it comes to hitting against lefties. Meanwhile, Johnson hasn't shown much ability to get on base, recording very few at-bats. It's a close matchup, but with his recent form and the way the Cubs pitch, there's a good chance he might not get a hit today.

Chicago Cubs vs Cincinnati Reds: Pete Crow-Armstrong Under 1.5 Batter - Hits (-250)

The Chicago Cubs are playing at home against the Cincinnati Reds, and they have been hitting well against left-handed pitchers. Pete Crow-Armstrong has struggled to get on base lately, recording no hits in several games. This could be a tough matchup for him, especially since the Reds have a decent pitcher on the mound. The Cubs have been winning games, but Crow-Armstrong's recent performance shows he might not get more than one hit tonight. With the way he has been playing, betting on him to have under 1.5 hits seems like a smart choice.

That is our read — no bet on this board is a sure thing. Prices can move before you get on, so check the board at your bookmaker. Bet what you can afford to lose. If betting stops being fun, take a break.