The Atlanta Braves were about to run away and hide with the National League, but just as we have seen over the past decade, the Los Angeles Dodgers are a team that isn’t out of the race until mathematically eliminated.
The NL Pennant race is at its most interesting peak since the beginning of the season, and there is still one month to go in the regular season. It may not be any team’s race to win, but it’s more open than expected heading into September, similar to the American League Pennant odds.
Let’s take a look at the updated odds and best bets for the NL pennant.
National League Pennant Betting Odds 2023
To see the most up-to-date NL Pennant odds from our favorite sportsbooks, adjust the module below and select MLB - National League - Winner:
2023 NL Pennant MLB betting odds as of Friday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m. ET on Caesars Sportsbook.
- Atlanta Braves (+140)
- Los Angeles Dodgers (+200)
- Philadelphia Phillies (+800)
- Milwaukee Brewers (+1400)
- San Francisco Giants (+1800)
- Chicago Cubs (+2000)
- Cincinnati Reds (+3000)
- Miami Marlins (+3000)
- Arizona Diamondbacks (+4000)
- San Diego Padres (+4000)
- Remaining teams at or worse than (+30000)
The Braves continue to have the best odds, but as I mentioned, the Dodgers are knocking on the door. Last year’s NL pennant winner is also surging at the right time.
National League Pennant Best Bet 2023
Los Angeles Dodgers (+200)
Caesars Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
It pains me to say it, but the Dodgers not being the betting favorite is why I have them as the best bet.
Their pitching woes align with Atlanta, but the big difference is the Dodgers are getting their injured pitchers back sooner and have more time to flesh out any concerns with their rotation and bullpen depth.
The Braves’ offense is superior, but as we saw earlier this season, a shorthanded Dodgers squad can still find a way to win a series against it. I’m ready for a seven-game series between these two teams.
National League Pennant Favorites 2023
Atlanta Braves (+155)
DraftKings Sportsbook • WAGER: 1 Unit
I mentioned the pitching concerns, and while real, Atlanta has managed to put together the second-best FanGraphs pitching WAR in the National League.
Spencer Strider is the biggest reason for the boost, but healthy returns from Max Fried, among others, give the Braves pitching a higher floor.
The offense is the best in baseball, and, barring injury, is set up to keep the team in it for the long haul come playoff time.
See the latest MLB futures odds and picks
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National League Pennant Sleeper 2023
Philadelphia Phillies (+950)
FanDuel Sportsbook • WAGER: 0.5 Units
The one team pitching better than Atlanta is the Phillies. Zack Wheeler is once again one of the best pitchers in baseball, and the secondary pitchers in the rotation have carried their respective weight. Aaron Nola, Taijuan Walker, and Michael Lorenzen all have a WAR of at least 1.8.
The offensive turnaround has been nothing short of amazing, especially with Bryce Harper getting back to slugging in August. Health is also swinging positively in the Fightin’s direction.
If the team can field as well as it’s hit (a taller task), then there is no reason why Philly can’t surprise the Dodgers or Braves.
