Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Prediction and Picks, September 18, 2026

At Great American Ball Park, the Cincinnati Reds are struggling a bit lately, averaging about 3.6 runs behind in their last 12 games. However, they do hit well against left-handed pitchers, with a solid performance this year. The Chicago Cubs, on the other hand, are doing better overall, scoring around 0.8 runs more than their opponents in their recent games. Their hitters have been strong against lefties, boasting an impressive average that's higher than most teams. With both teams having the potential to score, this matchup looks like it could reach over 8.5 total runs. The Cubs have been winning more often and scoring well, but the Reds can surprise when facing lefties. Just keep in mind that the Reds have been a bit inconsistent lately, which could affect their scoring.

Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs: Chicago Cubs -1.5 Spread (+134)

The Chicago Cubs have been playing well lately, winning half of their last ten games. They've also been hitting left-handed pitchers pretty well this season, with a strong performance that stands out compared to the league average. On the other hand, the Cincinnati Reds have struggled, scoring about 3.6 runs fewer than their opponents over their last twelve games. While the Reds can sometimes surprise, they've only won three of their last ten. This matchup looks tough for them, especially since the Cubs have a solid chance to win by at least two runs. The biggest risk here is how close the two teams have been playing recently. Still, with the Cubs' current form and hitting against lefties, they seem set up to cover the spread.

That is the full board for this game. 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.