The Atlanta Braves take on the Chicago Cubs in an NL East vs. NL Central matchup at 7:20 p.m. ET on Thursday. Atlanta is listed as a -215 favorite (risk $215 to win $100) at Caesars Sportsbook, while the Over-Under is set at 8 (see up-to-date odds for every game this week on our MLB odds page). 

Before making any Braves vs. Cubs picks, you NEED to check out the MLB predictions from the SportsLine Projection Model.

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every MLB game 10,000 times and it is off to a sizzling start to the 2022 season. It's on a 25-11 roll on top-rated MLB money-line picks through three weeks, returning almost $1,100 for $100 players. Anyone following it has seen HUGE returns!

The model knows the Braves are getting a big boost with the return of Ronald Acuna Jr. The star outfielder is making an earlier-than-expected return to the lineup after missing the second half of last season with a torn ACL. Prior to being injured, Acuna Jr. slashed .283/.394/.596 with 24 home runs and 52 RBI on 84 hits in his 2021 campaign. He was hitting well in the minors this year before being called back up to the MLB, so having his bat back in the lineup could be what the reigning World Series champs need to get the series win over Chicago.

The model also knows the Braves have an edge on the mound. Starting pitcher Kyle Wright is off to a stellar start for Atlanta, going 2-0 with a 1.06 ERA and 26 strikeouts over 17.0 innings pitched. Opposing starter Drew Smyly may be a more seasoned pitcher, but he is off to a less stellar start going 1-1 over three starts with a 2.45 ERA and nine strikeouts over 14.2 innings pitched.

Now, it has set its sights on Braves vs. Cubs. We can tell you the model is leaning over the total, and it also says one side of the money line has ALL the value! You ABSOLUTELY need to see it before locking in any MLB picks.

Who wins Braves vs. Cubs? And which team has ALL the value on the money line? ... Join SportsLine right now to find out which side of the Braves vs. Cubs matchup you should be all over Thursday, all from the model on a roll on MLB picks!