At the beginning of the pennant push, the Dodgers have the National League West locked up. Meanwhile, the Mets are fending off a baseball betting odds challenge from the Atlanta Braves. And the Cardinals hold a slim National League Central lead over the fading Brewers. Still, several weeks are remaining in the regular season. And as we know, teams can catch fire or implode at a moment’s notice. This year the National League will have three wild card spots to fill. And there are some quality teams in the hunt. Starting with the defending World Series champion Braves.
2022 National League Wild Card Odds
| Date: | Wild Card Games Start on Friday, October 7, 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
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Atlanta Braves -20000 to Make Playoffs, +4000 to Miss Playoffs
Following a two month flop, the Braves have dug out. Atlanta remains one of the hottest teams on the online wagering board. The Braves have paid in nine of their most recent ten games. Most important of all, they trail the Mets by just three games in the National League East. Atlanta has an 8.5 game lead for the top wild card spot. The Braves remain one of the best-balanced teams in the National League. To illuminate, the Braves rank 3rd for run production and 6th for earned run average.
St. Louis Cardinals -600 to Make Playoffs, +425 to Miss Playoffs
In like manner to the Braves, the Cardinals stumbled out of the gate. Milwaukee looked like they would run away with the National League Central. But as the weather warmed up, so did the Cardinals. At the onset of the week, they led Milwaukee by five games for the division lead. St. Louis ranks 4th in MLB for run production.
Milwaukee Brewers -185 to Make Playoffs, +150 to Miss Playoffs
Of major concern is the fall of the Brewers. Milwaukee has gone from firm command of the NL Central to trailing by two games for the final NL wild card spot. Relief pitching has turned from an asset to a liability for Milwaukee. Consider that Milwaukee has fallen to 16th for bullpen earned run average.
San Diego Padres -360 to Make Playoffs, +280 to Miss Playoffs
To their credit, the Padres were one of the most aggressive teams at the trade deadline. San Diego has struggled to overcome the loss of Fernando Tatis Jr. Indeed, Tatis is the Padres’ best player. San Diego’s inability to score runs consistently has put their wild card hopes in danger. The Padres hold a two game lead over Milwaukee for the final NL wild card spot.
Philadelphia Phillies -285 to Make Playoffs, +230 to Miss Playoffs
Namely, manager Joe Girardi was touted as the savior of the Phillies. Ironically it took the firing of Girardi to wake up Philadelphia. Since taking over, new manager Rob Thomson has gone 44-25. Now the Phillies hold the second NL wild card spot. Kyle Schwarber has powered to 34 home runs in the resurgence.
SBG National League Wild Card Free Picks
In this situation, the Phillies are a reborn team with the MLB odds. Philadelphia is providing strong value and consistency with the managerial change. By contrast, the Brewers look like a team to avoid. Milwaukee has been one of the worst values on the board in recent weeks.
SBG National League Wild Card Best Bets: Philadelphia Phillies.