Reds vs. Cubs: MLB NRFI Odds & Picks (Thursday)

With the trade deadline now past us, the playoff races are beginning to heat up. The Mets’ offense is a shell of its early-season self, and as a result, they will start to become a more attractive option for us to bet against in the NRFI market.

Jack Flaherty is making his Orioles debut and hopefully can become the playoff ace they need to make a deep run.

With 11 games on the board, let’s take a look at our top NRFI bets for Thursday, Aug. 3.

Thursday’s Best No Runs First Inning (NRFI) Bets: Reds vs. Cubs

(Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook)

Cincinnati Reds vs. Chicago Cubs

Pitching Matchup: Luke Weaver vs. Jameson Taillon

If you looked at the last two days of games between these two, you would think I was insane making this bet. The Cubs’ offense has jumped all over the Reds’ pitching and has dominated. However, at the only plus odds line of the day, it is worth us taking this chance.

Luke Weaver has not been good and allows a 0.407 wOBA the first time through the order this season, which makes this a less attractive bet. Still, this Cubs offense is bound to come back down to Earth, and this could allow for a clean first from Weaver.

Jameson Taillon gets the ball on the other side of this one, and the righty has also struggled this season. But he has actually been at his best the first time through with a 0.328 wOBA allowed. Slugging seems to be the killer for him. He just needs to limit the extra-base hits in this first inning, and he should come out cleanly. The other bets on the board today do not appeal to me as much as this one does. The thinner slate is full of questionable matchups, so let’s take the bet with the best odds.

Bet: NRFI (+105)

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