The Chicago Cubs and Texas Rangers meet Thursday in the regular-season opener at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. First pitch is scheduled for 7:35 p.m. ET (ESPN). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Cubs vs. Rangers odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.
Season series: Cubs won 2-1, outscoring the Rangers 14-11 with the favorite cashing in 2 of the 3 meetings and the Over also going 2-1
The Cubs posted an 83-79 record in 2023, finishing 9 games back of the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Central Division. The Cubs managed a plus-96 run differential, which was actually best in the division, and 4th-best in the National League. Chicago posted a 38-43 record on the road, while going 30-22 inside the division and 25-21 vs. the AL.
The Rangers were edged out for the American League West Division by the Houston Astros, finishing 90-72. Texas made up for it with a wonderful postseason run, resulting in the team’s 1st World Series championship. Texas finished 19-13 inside the AL West last season, and it was 50-31 at home, and 22-24 vs. the NL.