The Kansas City Royals (48-52) visit the Chicago Cubs (59-40) Monday to open a 3-game series. First pitch from Wrigley Field is at 8:05 p.m. ET (MLB Network). Let's analyze BetMGM Sportsbook's MLB odds around the Royals vs. Cubs odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

The Braves have failed to score more than three runs in four of the last five games, while the Royals have accomplished that in six of the previous seven yet Atlanta is the favorite here, thanks to Strider being on the mound.

The New York Mets have regained the NL East lead, as they've won their past seven games, which include sweeps over the Los Angeles Angels and San Francisco Giants. Now New York will try to extend its winning streak against another West Coast team,