Braves vs. Dodgers Prediction: Game 1 NLDS Preview

The Atlanta Braves and Los Angeles Dodgers will square off in Game 1 of the NLDS at 4 p.m. ET on Saturday at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles on FOX.

Get my Braves vs. Dodgers prediction based on the latest MLB odds:

Braves vs. Dodgers Prediction for Game 1 NLDS

• Dodgers win Game 1 & series (+100)

For my Braves vs. Dodgers prediction, I like Los Angeles to win Game 1 and the NLDS in the series prop markets. The Dodgers could make quick work of the Braves in a best-of-five series, especially if they take care of business as -210 favorites in Game 1.

After needing all three games to beat the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Wild Card, Atlanta may struggle to settle on a Game 1 starter. Chris Sale, the team’s ace, notched the final four outs of Thursday’s Game 3, making it unlikely that he will be ready to take the mound.

The Dodgers, meanwhile, have multiple options after a week off. They have the best rotation in the sport, so it won’t matter if they give the ball to Yoshinobu Yamamoto (2025 World Series MVP) or Tarik Skubal (two-time Cy Young winner). Oh, to be the Dodgers.

Los Angeles is the betting favorite to win a third straight World Series, and I’d argue that this is the best roster it has had entering the postseason. The Dodgers have the best offense in the field, ranking second in the majors in wOBA (.334). They have an embarrassment of riches in the rotation, and don’t have the same bullpen concerns that they did last fall.

Of course, any team could be eliminated in October, especially in a best-of-five series. But the Dodgers deserve to be strong favorites in this matchup given their advantages. ZiPS projects a 70% chance that Los Angeles wins the NLDS.

As such, I like the +100 price to back the superior team to win Game 1 and the series.

Prediction: Dodgers win Game 1 & series (+100)

Braves vs. Dodgers Odds: NLDS, Game 1

• Braves moneyline: +180
• Dodgers moneyline: -220
• Total: 8.5