Chicago Cubs As Favorite Betting Trend

The Cubs' dismal performance as favorites stems from a fundamental mismatch between market perception and on-field execution during their competitive window. Chicago's 2016 World Series championship created inflated public expectations that persisted well beyond the team's actual capabilities, leading oddsmakers to consistently overvalue them in favorable spots. The organization's tendency to rely heavily on aging veterans and inconsistent young talent created a volatile roster that struggled to deliver when expected to dominate weaker opponents. Chicago's approach as favorites often revealed tactical shortcomings, particularly their inability to capitalize on quality starts from their rotation. The Cubs frequently found themselves in tight games against inferior competition due to offensive inconsistency and bullpen volatility, turning what should have been comfortable wins into coin-flip scenarios. Their home-heavy scheduling as favorites at Wrigley Field, where wind conditions and day games created additional variables, further complicated their ability to cover spreads against teams they were supposed to handle easily. The psychological burden of expectations also played a significant role, as this Cubs core consistently underperformed in pressure situations where they were expected to assert dominance. For bettors, this trend matters most when Chicago opens as moderate favorites (-140 to -180) against sub-.500 teams, particularly in day games at Wrigley where the conditions can neutralize talent disparities.