Reds vs. Cubs line, odds, start time, spread pick, best bets for September 27 matchup based on proven model

The Cincinnati Reds (76-83) and the Chicago Cubs (81-78) battle in a game against NL Central on Friday. This is the first contest of a three-game series. Both teams have put losses behind them and are looking to bounce back. The Philadelphia Phillies defeated the Cubs 9-6. Cincinnati lost to the Cleveland Guardians 5-2. Jameson Taillon (11-8, 3.41 ERA) starts for Chicago.

First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Cubs are the -143 moneyline favorites at the current Reds vs. Cubs odds (risk $143 to win $100), while Cincinnati is a +121 underdog. The over/under for total runs scored is 6.5 in the latest MLB odds per SportsLine consensus.

Before making any Reds vs. Cubs picks or MLB predictions, you need to see what the SportsLine projection model has to say.

The SportsLine projection model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times. At the start of the last full week of the MLB regular season It's a 31-17 mark with top run line picks (+722) dating back to last season. Everyone who follows has seen strong returns!

The model knows Chicago shortstop Dansby Swanson is a patient hitter who brings a great approach. Additionally, Swanson has a nice shooting range with a strong throwing arm. The 30-year-old is batting .242 with 16 dingers and 66 RBI. He has scored in seven straight games.

The model also knows that Cincinnati shortstop Elly De La Cruz is an athletic and impactful force. De La Cruz has plus power and good arm strength in the infield. He is batting .261 for 25 home runs and 74 RBI.

The model has simulated Reds vs. Cubs 10,000 times and the results are in. We can tell you that the model is trending upwards on the total, and it also says that one side of the money line has ALL the value!

Who wins Reds vs. Cubsand which side of the money line has ALL the value? … Join SportsLine now to find out which side of the money line you should be on everything from the 31-17 model to top-rated MLB picks!