MLB PICKS / FRIDAY, AUGUST 28, 2026

Cincinnati Reds at Chicago Cubs

Cincinnati Reds (63-71) visit the Chicago Cubs (76-57) at 2:20 PM ET. Probable starters: R. Lowder (5.17) for the Reds, D. Peterson (5.29) for the Cubs. First-pitch weather: 81°F, 7 mph wind. ParlayLab grades this matchup against the FanDuel line; the full pick selections unlock with Pro.

Away

Cincinnati Reds

Record
63-71
L10
3-7
RPG
4.04
OPS
.694

Probable starter

R. Lowder (5.17)

Home

Chicago Cubs

Record
76-57
L10
4-6
RPG
5.23
OPS
.762

Probable starter

D. Peterson (5.29)

5 prior starts vs this opponent · 5.18 ERA

Matchup context

2:20 PM ET

Weather
81°F
Wind
7 mph
Rain
0%
Diff
1.2

Projected score

CIN 4.2 — 5.5 CHC

Lines & ParlayLab picks

Moneyline · FanDuel

CIN+164

CHC-196

ParlayLab pick

— · edge —

Pro

Run line · FanDuel

CIN+1.5 (-134)

CHC-1.5 (+112)

ParlayLab pick

— · edge —

Pro

Total · FanDuel

O8.5 (+100)

U8.5 (-122)

ParlayLab pick

— · edge —

Pro

How ParlayLab grades this matchup

ParlayLab's methodology engine projects each MLB game with a market-blended model combining team offense (season + L14 rolling RPG and OPS), starting pitcher form (ERA, WHIP, K%, home/road splits), ballpark factors (per-handedness HR and run multipliers), weather (wind direction relative to center field, temperature, precipitation), bullpen fatigue, and Statcast contact quality. Outputs are a moneyline, run-line, and total projection — each graded HIGH / MED / LOW confidence based on edge versus the FanDuel line.

Free users see the top picks for each market plus the full matchup context shown above. The actual selections (which side to bet ML, RL, total) unlock with Pro. You're charged when you subscribe — cancel anytime.