Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers Picks and Predictions October 8th 2025

Cubs vs. Brewers Game 3 Betting Preview

The Chicago Cubs have no margin for error as they return home for Game 3 of the NLDS against the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday night. Down 2-0 in the best-of-five, the Cubs must win three straight to stay alive against a Brewers team that won a franchise-record 97 games.

Chicago’s offense powered much of its playoff push, finishing fifth in MLB with 793 regular-season runs, but it’s been quiet this postseason. The Cubs have scored only 12 runs in five playoff games and need production quickly to extend their season.

Milwaukee, meanwhile, has flexed its power early in this series. Andrew Vaughn and Jackson Chourio both went deep in Monday’s 7-3 win, while William Contreras added another homer. The Brewers are one victory away from their first NLCS trip since 2018.

For more postseason insights, check our full MLB previews and matchup breakdowns.

Line Movement and Odds

Milwaukee opened as a -145 road favorite, with Chicago listed around +125 on the moneyline. The total sits at 8.5 runs after opening at 8, signaling some public lean toward the Over.

Most sharp money has landed on Milwaukee to complete the sweep, while retail bettors are backing the Cubs to force a Game 4. Stay updated with live line shifts and totals on the MLB scores and odds

Matchup Breakdown

Milwaukee Brewers:
Right-hander Quinn Priester (13-3, 3.32 ERA) gets the ball with a chance to clinch the series. The Illinois native is 1-0 with a 6.28 ERA in three appearances against Chicago this season. His ability to handle pressure moments has been evident all year, and the Brewers’ lineup has rewarded him with strong run support.

Chicago Cubs:
Jameson Taillon (11-7, 3.68) takes the mound after four scoreless innings against the Padres in the wild-card round. The veteran owns a 6-10 record and a 3.33 ERA over 21 career starts vs. Milwaukee. Chicago needs a shutdown outing from him and early production from sluggers Ian Happ and Pete Crow-Armstrong, who have voiced confidence in a comeback.

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Injuries and Conditions

Chicago Cubs

• Seiya Suzuki (hamstring) – Day-to-day
• Adbert Alzolay (elbow) – Out for season

Milwaukee Brewers

• Jackson Chourio (hamstring) – Probable
• Devin Williams (back) – Out

Full updates are available via the Cubs injury report and Brewers injury report

Weather:
Partly cloudy skies with temps near 68°F at first pitch. Winds blowing out to left at 8–10 mph could benefit hitters.

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Best Bets and Prediction

Milwaukee’s bullpen has been the difference through two games, and Priester has enough support to finish the job. Taillon’s experience helps keep this one close, but the Brewers’ bats have been better in key moments.

Prediction: Brewers 5, Cubs 3
Best Bet: Milwaukee moneyline (-145)
Lean: Over 8.5

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