Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs Player Props, Picks and Predictions - 9/3/2025 7:40 PM EDT

We have your Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs prop betting and game preview needs covered as the Atlanta Braves hit the road to face the Chicago Cubs.

Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs Pick

Best Moneyline Odds: Chicago Cubs -155 on Caesars | Atlanta Braves +134 on Fanduel
Best Spread Odds: Chicago Cubs -1.0 (-109) on BetRivers | Atlanta Braves +1.5 (-160) on Caesars
Best Total Odds: Over 8.0 (-118) on Fanduel | Under 8.5 (-120) on ESPN BET

Game Info

Date: 2025-09-03
Time: 7:40 PM EDT
Location: Wrigley Field, Chicago, IL
TV: Marquee Sports Network

Atlanta Braves @ Chicago Cubs Preview

The Chicago Cubs (80-59) are set to host the Atlanta Braves (62-77) in the final game of their three-game series at Wrigley Field. The Cubs enter this matchup with significant momentum, having won the first two games of the series, including a tight 4-3 victory on Tuesday and a 7-6 extra-inning win on Monday. Chicago boasts an impressive 43-25 record at home this season and holds a four-game lead in the National League Wild Card race, while the Braves are struggling, sitting 15 games under .500 and well out of playoff contention.

On the mound for the Cubs will be young right-hander Cade Horton (9-4, 2.92 ERA). Horton has been exceptional, particularly since the All-Star break, where he's posted a remarkable 0.86 ERA, allowing just 24 hits over 42.0 innings. The Cubs have a strong 13-6 record in games he has started this season. His ability to limit hits is evident, as he's allowed four or fewer hits in five of his six August outings.

The Braves will counter with Bryce Elder (5-9, 5.85 ERA), who has had an inconsistent season. Elder has allowed four or more earned runs in seven of his last 13 starts, resulting in a 7.35 ERA during that stretch. In August, his ERA stood at 4.82. Atlanta's road performance has also been a concern, with a 29-44 record away from home.

Statistical trends further favor the Cubs. The Braves have struggled when allowing two or more home runs, with a 5-35 (.125) record in such games this season. They also have a poor 16-34 (.320) record against teams ranked in the top 10 for runs allowed, and the Cubs are currently eighth in that category. Conversely, the Cubs are dominant when they record 10 or more hits, holding a 39-5 (.886) record, and are 33-8 (.805) when scoring in the first inning.

Historic Head-to-Head Stats and Analysis

The rivalry between the Chicago Cubs and the Atlanta Braves (and their predecessors) dates back to the early days of baseball. A win for the Cubs in this game would mark their 700th regular-season home victory against the Braves franchise since 1876, when both teams were founding members of the National League. Historically, the Cubs have had a significant advantage at home in this rivalry, having lost only 465 games to the Braves in Chicago. The Cubs, then known as the White Stockings, also defeated the Braves in seven games at home in 1871 and 1874-75 during their time in the National Association. The only team the Cubs have defeated more often at home than the Braves is the St. Louis Cardinals, with 712 victories.

Pick: Chicago Cubs Moneyline

widget-odds-mlb-su-12207-ATL-CHC

The Chicago Cubs are the clear pick in this matchup. Their strong home record, combined with Cade Horton's dominant pitching performances, especially since the All-Star break, gives them a significant edge. Horton's ability to limit runs and hits contrasts sharply with Bryce Elder's struggles on the mound for the Braves. Atlanta's poor road record and their tendency to lose as slight moneyline underdogs further solidify the Cubs as the favored team. The sharp money also aligns with the Cubs, showing a 57.79% sharp win percentage on their moneyline. Expect the Cubs to complete the sweep at Wrigley Field.

Top Player Prop Picks

Cade Horton (Chicago Cubs) - Pitcher Outs Over 14.5

Cade Horton has been a workhorse for the Cubs, consistently going deep into games. He has hit the over on this line in 80.0% of his last 5 games and 80.0% of his last 10 games. For the season, he's hit the over 73.68% of the time, and at home, that rate climbs to 77.78%. His season mean for pitcher outs is 15.58, and 15.78 at home, both above the 14.5 line. Given his impressive 0.86 ERA since the All-Star break and the Braves' 19th ranking in MLB batting average, Horton is well-positioned to exceed 14.5 outs. You can find the best odds for this prop at -189 on Pinnacle.

Ian Happ (Chicago Cubs) - Hits Over 0.5

Ian Happ is currently in excellent form at the plate. He has hit the over on 0.5 hits in 100.0% of his last 5 games and 70.0% of his last 10 games. More impressively, he has hit the over in 100.0% of his matchups against the Braves this season (2 games, averaging 2.0 hits per game) and 75.0% of his matchups against them in 2024 (4 games, averaging 1.0 hit per game). His season hit rate for this prop is 63.49%, and at home, it's 63.33%. Happ's recent hot streak, batting .347 with 17 hits in his last 14 games, makes him a strong candidate to record at least one hit against the Braves. The best odds for this prop are -200 on BetMGM.

Ozzie Albies (Atlanta Braves) - Hits Over 0.5

Despite the Braves' recent struggles, Ozzie Albies has consistently delivered at the plate. He has hit the over on 0.5 hits in 80.0% of his last 5 games and 70.0% of his last 10 games. For the season, he's hit the over 66.19% of the time, and specifically in visitor games, his hit rate is 67.12%. Albies has an exceptional track record against the Cubs, hitting the over in 100.0% of his 2025 matchups (averaging 2.0 hits per game) and 83.33% of his 2024 matchups (averaging 1.17 hits per game). Even with Elder on the mound, Albies' individual performance against this opponent makes the over a compelling pick. You can find the best odds for this prop at -177 on BetRivers.