The Houston Astros will play in the World Series for the third time in five years. Their opponent, Atlanta, hasn’t been in the World Series since 1999 when they were swept in four games by the New York Yankees.

It’s no surprise the Astros are here. They have one of the best lineups in all of baseball and led the majors in runs scored per game this season (5.41).

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Atlanta was a bit of a surprise as they beat defending champion and World Series favorite the Dodgers in six games in the NLCS. The Braves lost their best player, Ronald Acuna, Jr., early in the season and finished with the worst record of all playoff teams yet still found its way to the World Series.

Here’s a look at the 2021 MLB World Series odds, picks, and betting preview.

Atlanta Braves World Series Preview 2021

Atlanta Braves World Series Odds: +130

The Braves are not the Astros, but they did finish eighth in runs per game (4.85), ninth in OPS (.752), and 12th in batting average (.244) this season. What has really helped the Braves is the emergence of 3B Austin Riley who hit .303 with 33 home runs and 107 RBIs this season.

There really isn’t a hole in the Braves lineup with reigning NL MVP Freddie Freeman (.300, 31 HR, 83 RBI) and Ozzie Albies (.259, 30 HR, 106 RBI) leading the way. The Braves will also have Jorge Soler back for the series. Soler hit .269 with 14 homers in 55 games this season. He will likely be the DH when the teams play in Houston.

The top three Braves pitchers have been outstanding this season. Charlie Morton went 14-6, Max Fried 14-7, and Ian Anderson 9-5 during the regular season. The problem for Atlanta is the fourth starter. The Braves might not get Huascar Ynoa back.

The Braves bullpen wasn’t great during the regular season, but they have been the best unit in the postseason. The only reliever to give up a run was Ynoa pitching in relief.

World Series Odds

Houston Astros World Series Preview 2021

Houston Astros World Series Odds: -155

There is no question that Houston has one of the best lineups – if not the best – in all of baseball. From batters 1 through 7, the Astros are lights out. Yuli Gurriel was the AL batting champion. Former AL MVP Jose Altuve hit .277 with 31 homers during the regular season. Carlos Correa hit .279 with 26 homers.

Yordan Alvarez hit .277 with 33 homers and 104 RBIs and he picked up where he left off in the postseason. He was the ALCS MVP going 12-for-23 with a home run and six RBIs. RF Kyle Tucker also had himself a strong ALCS going 6-for-23 with two homers.

If there is a chink in the Astros armor, it is pitching. If Lance McCullers Jr., who suffered an injury in the ALDS, cannot go, Houston could be in trouble. Framber Valdez, Luis Garcia, and Jose Urquidy give the Astros three capable starters, but after that there are holes.

Houston could use Zack Greinke as they did in Game 3 of the ALCS, but without McCullers winning this series is going to be difficult. The bullpen is solid though with Kendall Graveman, Ryne Stanek, Ryan Pressly, and Yimi Garcia.

World Series Picks

2021 World Series Prediction

All signs point to Houston winning this thing. The Astros can flat-out hit, but many people forget that so can Atlanta. Both teams have pitching issues and postseason baseball always comes down to pitching.

The Braves have a slight edge if McCullers can’t pitch. Plus, everyone loves a good underdog.

PREDICTION: BRAVES +130

Check out our MLB betting guide next if you need a refresher on the best way to beat your bookie.

We also recommend reading our MLB team totals betting guide and MLB 1st inning props betting guide.