The Fall Classic is upon us. Astros or Nationals? Our betting analysts Doug Kezirian, Joe Fortenbaugh and Preston Johnson weigh in on bets they like for the World Series.
Note: Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook as of Monday evening.
Washington Nationals (+195) vs. Houston Astros (-235)
Fortenbaugh: I wholeheartedly agree that the Astros should be favored, but the well-rested Nationals at a price of +195 is just too good to pass up. Max Scherzer appears to have put his late-season struggles in the rearview mirror with a four-outing postseason that features just four earned runs in 20 innings, with two starts going at least seven innings. Washington is 4-0 when Stephen Strasburg takes the bump this postseason, thanks to just four runs surrendered over 22 innings with an amazing 33 strikeouts to just one walk. And Justin Verlander looks vulnerable by Justin Verlander standards (10 ER over last 17.1 IP), while the volatile Zack Greinke will take the ball in Washington for Game 3 facing a hostile crowd in a city that hasn't witnessed a World Series home game since 1933.