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Division rivals square off when the Chicago Cubs (22-29) host the St. Louis Cardinals (29-22) in an NL Central battle on Friday afternoon. Chicago rolls into Friday's contest with some momentum, winning three straight games. The Cardinals have also been playing well, going 5-2 over their last seven games. Miles Mikolas (3-3, 2.67 ERA) gets the nod for St. Louis on Friday, while Marcus Stroman (2-4, 3.95 ERA) is on the mound for Chicago. 

First pitch is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Chicago is a -115 favorite (risk $115 to win $100) on the money line in the latest Cardinals vs. Cubs odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total runs scored is 8.5. Before making any Cubs vs. Cardinals picks, be sure to check out the latest MLB predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times and it is off to a strong start to the 2022 season. It's on a 48-31 roll on top-rated MLB money-line picks through eight weeks, returning over $1,100 for $100 players. Anyone following it has seen huge returns.

Now, the model has set its sights on Cardinals vs. Cubs and just locked in its picks and MLB predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model's picks. Here are several MLB odds and betting lines and trends for Cubs vs. Cardinals:

  • Cardinals vs. Cubs money line: St. Louis -105, Chicago -115
  • Cardinals vs. Cubs run-line: St. Louis -1.5 (+160)
  • Cardinals vs. Cubs over-under: 8.5 runs
  • Cardinals vs. Cubs tickets: See tickets at StubHub
  • STL: Cardinals are 9-2 in their last 11 Friday games
  • CHC: Cubs are 7-3 in their last 10 games following a win

Why you should back the Cardinals 

Third baseman Nolan Arenado has been a consistent offensive force for St. Louis. Arenado knows how to make contact with the ball due to his excellent hands and great pitch recognition. The six-time All-Star displayed great range at third base and makes throws across the diamond with ease. Arenado has a batting average of .280 along with 10 home runs and 36 RBIs. 

Second baseman Tommy Edman has outstanding baseball instincts at the plate or on the field. Edman is a patient batter with a smooth, line-drive swing. The 27-year-old is stout on the defensive end as he's a former Gold Glove winner. Edman also has terrific speed and is a threat to steal bases. His batting average is .272 with four home runs and 22 RBIs. Edman ranks fourth in the majors in stolen bases (12).

Why you should back the Cubs

Catcher Willson Contreras has been solid for the Cubs. Contreras is a good hitter with good pitch recognition. The 30-year-old has displayed home run power and the ability to consistently get on base. He has nine home runs, 21 RBIs, and an on-base percentage of .401. On May 31, he went 2-for-4 with a double, a solo homer, and two RBIs.

Outfielder Ian Happ brings terrific patience and instincts to the batter's box. Happ is a sound hitter with excellent hands and bat control. He's a switch hitter who can also play in the infield or outfield. The 27-year-old has a batting average of .258 with six home runs and 27 RBIs. 

How to make Cardinals vs. Cubs picks

SportsLine's model is leaning over on the total, projecting 9.3 combined runs. It also says one side of the money line has all the value. You can only get the model's MLB picks at SportsLine.

So who wins Cubs vs. Cardinals? And which side has all the value? Visit SportsLine now to see which side you need to jump on, all from the model that has crushed its MLB picks, and find out.