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Milwaukee Brewers vs Los Angeles Dodgers Betting Preview
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The Los Angeles Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers open the National League Championship Series on Monday, October 13, 2025, at American Family Field. First pitch is scheduled for 8:08 PM ET on TBS.
The defending World Series champions arrive rested after clinching the NLDS over Philadelphia on Thursday. Milwaukee needed the full five games to eliminate the Cubs on Saturday, using a bullpen-heavy approach to advance.
Los Angeles sends Blake Snell (2-0, 1.38 ERA this postseason) to the mound, while the Brewers have yet to name a starter and could again deploy an opener. The Dodgers’ rotation depth — Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow — gives manager Dave Roberts a clear advantage entering the series.
Milwaukee earned the top overall seed with 97 wins and swept the Dodgers 6-0 during the regular season. Rookie Jackson Chourio and catcher William Contreras have powered a Brewers lineup that found timely hits against Chicago.
Brewers vs Dodgers Line Movement and Odds
Oddsmakers opened the Dodgers as −152 favorites, with the Brewers at +129 on the moneyline. The total sits at 7.5 runs, with early money leaning toward the over (−117).
The market moved slightly in Los Angeles’ favor as bettors expect their rested rotation to make the difference. Milwaukee’s uncertainty at starter has kept the number steady, but public money continues to back the defending champs.
Totals action has been balanced — the over appeals due to both lineups’ power, but Milwaukee’s bullpen usage in the NLDS could open the door for late scoring. For live updates, check the MLB Odds page.
Bet With Confidence
Data-driven expert selections
Matchup Breakdown
Los Angeles Dodgers Outlook:
The Dodgers enter Game 1 rested and fully aligned in their pitching rotation. Blake Snell gets the ball after allowing only two runs in 13 postseason innings, striking out 18. His ability to dominate both left- and right-handed hitters has been key since returning from shoulder inflammation.
Offensively, the Dodgers remain one of MLB’s most explosive lineups. They ranked second in slugging percentage (.463) and second in home runs (238) during the regular season, led by Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, and Freddie Freeman. Betts is hitting .385 in the postseason, while Teoscar Hernández has three homers and nine RBIs. If Snell provides length, Los Angeles’ bullpen (2.91 ERA this postseason) should close the door.
Milwaukee Brewers Outlook:
The Brewers survived two bullpen games in their NLDS against the Cubs, thanks to efficient outings from Jacob Misiorowski, Chad Patrick, and Abner Uribe, who combined for seven scoreless innings across Games 4 and 5. Milwaukee’s offense was carried by Jackson Chourio (.389, 6 RBIs) and William Contreras (.300, 2 HRs).
Manager Pat Murphy could again open with Quinn Priester or Jose Quintana, depending on matchups. Milwaukee’s bullpen depth (3.59 team ERA) has been its backbone, but they’ll face a fresh Dodgers lineup that punishes mistakes.
Key Factor:
The Brewers won all six meetings with Los Angeles during the regular season, but the Dodgers’ pitching advantage and postseason experience create a different dynamic. The first few innings — and how Milwaukee handles Snell’s fastball-slider combo — will set the tone for the series.
Injuries and Conditions
Los Angeles Dodgers Injury Report
Los Angeles enters the NLCS healthy and fully rested. The rotation is set with Blake Snell, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Shohei Ohtani, and Tyler Glasnow. Ohtani continues to serve strictly as a designated hitter while rehabbing from elbow surgery, and Max Muncy (hamstring) remains available off the bench. See the Los Angeles Dodgers injury report for late roster or pitching updates.
Milwaukee Brewers Injury Report
Milwaukee has no major injuries but continues to rely on a heavy bullpen mix. Abner Uribe and Chad Patrick threw multiple innings in the NLDS finale, while Jacob Misiorowski remains available in relief after earning two wins in that series. The Brewers have not named a Game 1 starter but could use Quinn Priester or Jose Quintana as openers. For the latest player notes, visit the Milwaukee Brewers injury report.
Game Conditions:
Expect the roof to be closed at American Family Field, keeping temperatures steady and neutralizing wind. Controlled indoor conditions favor both pitching staffs, though the Dodgers’ power bats won’t be as limited as in open-air parks.
Best Bets and Prediction
The Dodgers’ rest and pitching depth give them a strong edge in Game 1. Blake Snell has looked dominant through two postseason starts, mixing his breaking stuff effectively against both right- and left-handed hitters. His command will be key against a Milwaukee lineup that thrives on contact and timely power.
Milwaukee, however, plays its best baseball at home (52–29 this season) and has momentum from their gritty NLDS win. Rookie Jackson Chourio continues to swing a hot bat, while William Contreras provides the Brewers with middle-order pop. Still, the uncertainty of their Game 1 pitching plan could hurt against a lineup stacked with MVP-level talent.
- Projected Score: Dodgers 5, Brewers 3
- Best Bet: Over 7.5 runs (−117)
- Secondary Lean: Dodgers Moneyline (−152)
For more postseason insights and expert selections, visit the MLB Picks page.
Top Handicappers
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ScoresAndStats Handicappers and Picks
Big games like this one are where expert analysis matters most. Stay ahead of the market with verified insights from the Best Handicappers Leaderboard, updated in real time throughout the postseason.
You can compare streaks, unit profits, and daily performance records for every verified capper inside the Best Handicappers page.
If you’re looking to refine your betting approach, check out the Expert MLB Betting Guide, which covers playoff-specific strategies and moneyline management.
