An NL Central tilt has the Cincinnati Reds (76-83) and the Chicago Cubs (81-78) battling on Friday. This is the first contest of a three-game series. Both teams are coming off losses and looking to rebound. The Philadelphia Phillies beat the Cubs 9-6. As for Cincinnati, they fell short to the Cleveland Guardians 5-2. Jameson Taillon (11-8, 3.41 ERA) is starting for Chicago.

First pitch is scheduled for 2:20 p.m. ET from Wrigley Field in Chicago. The Cubs are the -143 money line favorites (risk $143 to win $100) in the latest Reds vs. Cubs odds, while Cincinnati is a +121 underdog. The over/under for total runs scored is 6.5 in the latest MLB odds via 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. Entering the final full week of the MLB regular season, it's on a 31-17 roll on top-rated run-line picks (+722) that dates back to last season. Anybody following has seen strong returns!

The model knows Chicago shortstop Dansby Swanson is a patient hitter who brings a great approach to the plate. In addition, Swanson owns a nice range with a strong throwing arm. The 30-year-old hits .242 with 16 dingers and 66 RBI. He's recorded a hit in seven straight games. 

The model also knows 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's hitting .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 the model is leaning Over on the run total, and it also says one side of the money line has ALL the value!

Who wins Reds vs. Cubs, and which side of the money line has ALL the value? ... Join SportsLine right now to find out which side of the money line you should be all over, all from the model on a 31-17 roll on top-rated MLB picks!