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The reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves begin defense of their title on Thursday when they host the Cincinnati Reds in a 2022 MLB Opening Day game at Truist Park in Atlanta. Lefty Max Fried, who went 14-7 last season, takes the mound for the Braves and will face the Reds' Tyler Mahle (13-6). Atlanta is a -180 moneyline favorite in the latest MLB odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while Cincinnati is a +160 underdog. First pitch is 8:08 p.m. ET. The game is one of seven scheduled for Opening Day. (Two other games have already been postponed because of weather concerns.) 

Other key games include the reigning AL champion Astros (+110) taking on reigning AL MVP Shohei Ohtani and the Angels and the Cubs hosting the rival Brewers (-180). Before making any Opening Day MLB picks or parlays on those games or others, be sure to check out the MLB predictions and betting advice from SportsLine's proven computer model.

This model, which simulates every game 10,000 times, enters the 2022 MLB season coming off a 209-178 record on top-rated MLB moneyline picks in 2021, returning more than $700 to $100 players. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has locked in four confident MLB best bets for Opening Day of the 2022 season. They're all involving games after 4 p.m. ET, so there's still time to get these MLB picks in. If you successfully parlay the picks, you'd be looking at a payout of almost 15-1. You can see the model's MLB Opening Day picks only at SportsLine. 

Top MLB Opening Day picks

After simulating every Opening Day game 10,000 times, the model likes Houston (+110) to beat the Angels. The Astros, who have won the AL West in four of the last five seasons, enter the year as the favorites to again win the AL West. Meanwhile Los Angeles has not reached the postseason since winning the division in 2014.

Lefty Framber Valdez takes the mound for Houston, and he had success against the Angels last season. In two starts against Los Angeles, Valdez went 2-0 with a 3.00 ERA. By contrast the Angels' Opening Day starter, Ohtani, went 0-1 in two starts last year against Houston, which won both games.

How to make Opening Day MLB parlays

The model also locked in three other best bets for Opening Day, including a play on an even bigger road underdog than the Astros. You can only see the model's MLB Opening Day parlay and best bets at SportsLine. 

What MLB Opening Day MLB picks should you target for a payout of almost 15-1? And what road underdog does the model like on Thursday? Visit SportsLine now to see the Opening Day MLB best bets from a model coming off a 209-178 record on top-rated MLB moneyline picks in 2021, and find out.