Our NLCS is locked in and the playoff series odds are set, as the miracle Mets take on the Dodgers, with the winner clinching a berth to the World Series.
It's been a star-studded run for New York, beginning with the Mets' heroics to clinch a playoff spot on the season's final day. Since then, Pete Alonso and Francisco Lindor have combined for clutch homers, helping the Mets knock off the Phillies in the NLDS. Now the Amazins' are in tough against the offensive firepower of the Dodgers.
New York Mets vs Los Angels Dodgers Series Winner Odds
Odds as of Oct. 12 at FanDuel
Surprise, surprise, the Mets are underdogs again. That said, New York has the momentum after cashing as underdogs vs the Brewers and Phillies this postseason. The club's fantastic pitching staff has helped establish early leads, giving the Amazins' a few confident victories along the way. The Mets vs Dodgers series winner odds are fair, but that doesn't mean this series will be one-sided.
Mets vs TBA Series Schedule
New York Mets vs TBD Series Total Games Odds
Odds as of Oct. 12 at BetMGM
New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers Series Prediction Odds
Odds as of Oct. 12 at FanDuel
New York Mets vs Dodgers Betting History
Kudos to the Mets for running the season series against the Padres, a club that was super feisty in the second half. Note that runs were harder to come by in that season series, with the UNDER hitting in four of seven games. New York also covered in all but one game, sporting a 6-1 runline record vs SDP.
The Dodgers took care of the Mets during the regular season, winning the season series 4-2. As often was the case with Los Angeles, OVERs were plentiful in this matchup, going 4-2 in six games.
New York Mets Player to Watch: Mark Vientos
Far and away the Mets' hottest hitter during this playoff run, Vientos is 12-for-28 with two homers and a 1.181 OPS in seven games. The Mets third baseman has delivered multiple massive hits and will be integral to any New York success in the NLCS.
But here's the catch: he wasn't much of a factor vs the Padres/Dodgers this season, batting just 5-for-27 (Padres)/1-for-8 (Dodgers). If the Mets' opponent can shut Vientos out for a best-of-seven series, then the Mets offense could stall in a big way.
Los Angeles Dodgers Player to Watch: Walker Buehler
Unfortunately for the Dodgers, Buehler will play a big role in this best-of-seven series. With the club short on pitching, the Dodgers turned to Buehler in Game 3 of the NLDS, where the righty allowed six earned runs in five innings.
He'll have to pitch in the NLCS, and that's a dangerous proposition, as active Mets hitters slug .648 off him with a .968 OPS.
Odds To Win World Series
I'm a firm believer that whichever club wins this series will take home the World Series trophy. The NL clubs have been more dynamic and talented than AL teams all year, and the postseason has only amplified that effect.
So, read these odds carefully because as long as the Yankees remain favored to win it all, we can poach some great value. Just pick this series correctly, and you're good to go.
Expert Prediction: Mets to win series (+148)
Let's live and die with the team from Queens. From Opening Day, this club has defied logic. The Mets were not expected to be contenders this year, but they rallied. Francisco Lindor had the best season of his career, and a ho-hum pitching staff has dominated in the postseason.
It may not make sense, but the Mets magic, plus their great value, makes this the best bet for this series.