The Tampa Bay Rays (73-75) and Chicago Cubs (84-64) wrap up their 3-game series Sunday. First pitch from Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, is set for 2:20 p.m. ET. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s MLB odds around the Rays vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Tied 1-1

The Rays snapped their 3-game losing streak Saturday with a 5-4 win over the Cubs, cashing as a -106 road underdog as the Under (8) hit. 3B Junior Caminero tied things up in the eighth with a leadoff blast, his career-high 43rd of the season. C Nick Fortes won in the ninth with a solo blast.

After a 6-4 win in the Friday opener, the Cubs saw their 3-game winning streak snapped after bullpen struggles cost them late. Reliever Porter Hodge surrendered the lead in the 8th inning, and Brad Keller was tagged with the loss after giving up the decisive home run. Chicago’s offense came from the long ball, with C Moises Ballesteros and 1B Michael Busch both going deep.

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Rays at Cubs projected starters

RHP Adrian Houser vs. LHP Shota Imanaga

Houser (8-4, 3.11 ERA) is making his 19th start. He has a 1.26 WHIP, 2.7 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 107 innings.

Last start: No-decision, 5 1/3 IP, 3 ER, 4 H, 1 HR, 0 BB, 9 K in 5-4 victory at Chicago White Sox Tuesday2025 road stats: 1-4, 3.54 ERA (61 IP, 24 ER), 1.44 WHIP, 8.1 K/9 in 11 startsLast start vs. Cubs: Win, 6 2/3 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 HR, 3 BB, 3 K in 12-5 home victory July 25 as a member of the White SoxCareer vs. Cubs: 4-2, 3.98 ERA (61 IP, 27 ER), 1.43 WHIP, 7.7 K/9 in 16 games (10 starts)

Imanaga (9-7, 3.21 ERA) is making his 23rd start. He has a 0.93 WHIP, 1.6 BB/9 and 7.0 K/9 through 129 innings.

Last start: Loss, 6 IP, 3 ER, 5 H, 1 HR, 0 BB, 4 K in 4-1 loss at the Atlanta Falcons Monday2025 home stats: 4-2, 3.12 ERA (60 2/3 IP, 21 ER), 0.89 WHIP, 6.7 K/9 in 10 startsHas never faced the RaysRays at Cubs odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:42 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Rays +140 (bet $100 to win $140) | Cubs -165 (bet $165 to win $100)Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Rays +1.5 (-160) | Cubs -1.5 (+135)Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Rays at Cubs picks and predictionsPrediction

Cubs 5, Rays 3

PASS.

The Cubs (-165) will win the series Sunday, but I’ll take my wager to the run line with the better odds.

BET CUBS -1.5 (+135).

I’m rolling with the Cubs to bounce back Sunday and take the series. The Cubs usually look more comfortable at home, and with the crowd behind them, they tend to play sharper baseball from start to finish. They’re 45-29 at Wrigley this year, and that edge really shows up in spots like this.

The Rays, on the other hand, haven’t been great on the road (35-39), and their lineup has been inconsistent all season. They’ve especially struggled against left-handed pitching, going just 19-23 in those matchups while hitting a weak .232. That’s a glaring problem against a Cubs staff that can throw quality lefties at them. If Chicago limits base traffic early, Tampa doesn’t have the firepower to climb back.

Meanwhile, the Cubs’ bats match up well with a Rays pitching staff that’s been shaky and prone to giving up crooked numbers. Add in the urgency to respond and lock up the series at home, and I see Chicago putting together a complete game.

BET OVER 7.5 (+100).

Both games in the series have already gone Over, and recent form backs it up. Tampa Bay has cashed the Over in 4 of its last 6 games, and neither starter inspires confidence. Imanaga has given up 3 runs in each of his last 3 outings, while Houser has allowed at least 4 runs in 4 of his last 7 starts. With a line set too low for these arms, riding the Over feels like the best angle.

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