An NL Central showdown has the Chicago Cubs (26-43) and the Pittsburgh Pirates (28-40) end their four-game series on Thursday afternoon, with the first pitch set for 12:35 p.m. ET. Both teams are listed at -110 (risk $110 to win $100) on the money line in the latest Cubs vs. Pirates odds from Caesars Sportsbook, while the over-under for total runs scored is 8.5 (see up-to-date odds for every game this week on our MLB odds page).

Before making any Cubs vs. Pirates 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 strong start to the 2022 season. It's on a 56-47 roll on top-rated MLB money-line picks through 11 weeks. Anybody who has followed it has seen profitable returns.

The model knows Chicago catcher Willson Contreras has been a solid hitter with a variety of skills. Contreras displayed home-run power with the ability to drive in runs on a regular basis. The 30-year-old is second on the team in home runs (12) with a batting average of .269 and 27 RBIs. 

The model also knows Pittsburgh third baseman Ke'Bryan Hayes is a reliable defender in the corner. Hayes delivers rockets across the diamond with ease while using his quick reads. The 25-year-old can also get on base with regularity. He is hitting .265 with two homers and 22 RBIs. 

Now, the model has set its sights on Cubs vs. Pirates. 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.

So who wins Cubs vs. Pirates? And which side of the money line has ALL the value? Join SportsLine here to find out, all from the model that has crushed its top-rated MLB money-line picks!