Cincinnati Reds vs Chicago Cubs Picks and Predictions September 18th 2025

Cubs vs Reds Picks and Predictions — September 18, 2025

The Chicago Cubs head to Great American Ball Park to take on the Cincinnati Reds in an NL Central showdown Thursday night. The Cubs (88-64) are surging on a four-game win streak and have gone 7-3 in their last 10. The Reds (76-76) are looking to get back above .500 after splitting their last ten. Both teams enter this matchup with momentum, as seen on the latest MLB scoreboards.

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Opening odds:

• Moneyline: Reds −122, Cubs +103
• Runline: Reds −1.5 (+157), Cubs +1.5 (−192)
• Total (Over/Under): 9.0 runs

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Cubs Can Win If…

• Colin Rea keeps them competitive. With a 10-6 record and 4.23 ERA, he has been serviceable, especially when backed by run support.
• Their power-speed combo stays productive. Chicago ranks 5th in home runs (205) and 3rd in stolen bases (154), giving them multiple paths to score.
• Depth hitters step up. In their 8-4 win over Pittsburgh, Ian Happ blasted a homer with 3 RBIs while Nico Hoerner added two hits and three runs scored.

“We’ve got guys producing up and down the lineup,” Cubs manager Craig Counsell said about the team’s offensive rhythm.

Reds Can Win If…

• Hunter Greene delivers another strong start. With a 3.01 ERA and 0.99 WHIP, he’s shown ace-level stuff and can limit Chicago’s power.
• The lineup stays balanced. The Reds rank 10th in batting average (.246), and while only 18th in HRs (153), they produce runs through contact and situational hitting.
• Stars step up again. Spencer Steer drove in five RBIs with a homer in their 6-2 win over St. Louis, and they’ll need another big bat performance to win.

“We know Hunter can set the tone for us,” Reds skipper Terry Francona said of his young ace.

Key MLB Betting Trends

The Lean

Pick: Reds Moneyline (−122)
Projected Final Score: Reds 5, Cubs 4
Total Lean: Over 9.0

Reasoning: The Cubs’ offense has been hot, but Hunter Greene’s ability to neutralize power hitters gives Cincinnati the edge at home. Both lineups can score, and Great American Ball Park is a hitter-friendly venue, pointing toward the over. In a close divisional battle, the Reds’ pitching advantage is the difference.

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