Brewers vs Cubs Odds, Lines, and Spread – July 24

• The Chicago Cubs are narrow favorites over the Milwaukee Brewers in their season opener on Friday
• Brandon Woodruff is winless in three rough starts against the Cubs
• Below, find the odds, spread and a pick for the game

Though it’s not technically opening day anymore, Friday is when most MLB teams see action in 2020 for the first time. That includes the Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers, who face off at 7:10 p.m. ET at Wrigley Field.

Milwaukee Brewers vs Chicago Cubs Odds

Odds taken July 24.

With the ever dependable Kyle Hendricks on the mound — a veteran righty who has posted a winning record and a sub-3.50 ERA in all six of his MLB seasons — Chicago enters gameday as the moneyline favorite in the current Brewers vs Cubs odds.

Here’s how both teams look entering the 2020 season, with big names moving on and off their rosters.

Brewers/Cubs Roster Movement

Woodruff Has Been Rough

It’s a small sample, but Brewers starter Brandon Woodruff has struggled mightily in three career starts against the Cubs. All three ended in no-decisions, but he combined to post a 7.11 ERA in 12.2 innings, with 15 hits allowed and 15 strikeouts.

His most recent outing was in April of last year, and it’s reasonable to wonder if Friday’s start will feel a bit like an April outing given that it’s the start of a new season.

Brandon Woodruff, Overpowering 99mph Fastball.

Missed his spot. 😉 pic.twitter.com/KSD7SL0cMM

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) October 2, 2019

Woodruff was an All-Star for the first time last season, so he’s no slouch. But he has yet to find success against the Cubs.

Cubs’ Depth Tough to Match

Deep teams have value in single-game wagers because they possess more players with the ability to break a game open. The Cubs are one of those deep teams. Six of their everyday players posted an above-average OPS last year (i.e. an OPS+ greater than 100).

That group is led by three-time All-Star Anthony Rizzo, who slugged 27 homers and had 94 RBIs last year despite missing 16 games. Seeing Rizzo stationed alongside Kris Bryant (a former NL MVP) in the opening day lineup – despite recent trade rumors – is a comforting sight for Cubs fans.

One year ago Anthony Rizzo gave the Cubs a 4-3 lead over the Padres with this grand slam. His 211th career HR and 4th grand slam. Go Cubs Go! pic.twitter.com/zJzMXWKf39

— Chief Cub (@ChiefCub) July 19, 2020

Then there’s catcher Willson Contreras, who hit a career-high 24 homers last year in only 105 games, leading to a career-high .888 OPS and a second consecutive All-Star bid.

Added Unpredictability in 2020

We all know it’s a weird year, and with baseball back, there are still some things to watch out for in the final hours before first pitch.

On Thursday, it was announced that Washington Nationals star Juan Soto had tested positive for COVID-19 and was ineligible to play. That same day, projected Dodgers starter Clayton Kershaw was sent to the injured list with a back issue.

It’s important to check the latest news as first pitch nears, because you never know how an illness or injury can affect a game.

Hendricks Provides The Edge

Fangraphs predicted 32 wins apiece for the Brewers and Cubs this season. Both teams are legit division contenders with star power and playoff poise.

Let's just take a moment and enjoy the absolute filthiness that is the changeup of our Opening Day starter, Kyle Hendricks. pic.twitter.com/rMNHsRjKeA

— Cubs Insider (@realcubsinsider) July 16, 2020

In this particular matchup, though, it’s easy to look at the starting pitchers and see that the Cubs have a slight edge with Hendricks. He hasn’t exactly dominated the Brewers (2-2, 3.33 ERA in past five starts), but he has been steadier than Woodruff.

Pick: Cubs (-124)