Chicago Cubs Home Favorite Betting Trend
ATS Record, ROI Analysis & Historical Performance Data (2014-2024)
The data suggests caution when backing the Chicago Cubs in this spot. Since 2014, when playing as home favorite, the Chicago Cubs are just 37-182-3 against the spread. That's a 0.0% win rate and a -67.8% ROI. Sharp bettors have found value fading this situation—the opposite side would have returned +67.8%.
Year-by-Year Performance
| Season | Record | Win % | ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 4-12-0 | 0.0% | -52.3% |
| 2015 | 3-13-1 | 0.0% | -64.2% |
| 2016 | 4-14-0 | 0.0% | -57.6% |
| 2017 | 5-18-0 | 0.0% | -58.5% |
| 2018 | 3-14-0 | 0.0% | -66.3% |
| 2019 | 3-17-1 | 0.0% | -71.4% |
| 2020 | 4-28-0 | 0.0% | -76.1% |
| 2021 | 2-16-1 | 0.0% | -78.8% |
| 2022 | 1-23-0 | 0.0% | -92.0% |
| 2023 | 5-13-0 | 0.0% | -47.0% |
| 2024 | 3-14-0 | 0.0% | -66.3% |
Why This Trend Exists
The Cubs' struggles as home favorites stem from a fundamental mismatch between market perception and on-field reality. Wrigley Field's iconic status and the team's massive fanbase create inflated betting lines that consistently overvalue Chicago when they're expected to win. The friendly confines become a burden when oddsmakers factor in public sentiment rather than true team strength. Chicago's organizational approach compounds this issue. The Cubs have operated in rebuilding or retooling mode for much of this period, fielding lineups heavy on young players and inconsistent veterans. When positioned as favorites, these roster limitations become magnified against opponents who arrive motivated and undervalued. The team's tendency to struggle with situational hitting and bullpen management particularly hurts in games they're supposed to control. Weather variables at Wrigley add another layer of unpredictability. Wind patterns can dramatically shift game dynamics, turning supposed advantages into disadvantages when the Cubs are laying runs. The ballpark's quirks work against favorites who need to cover spreads rather than simply win. Smart bettors should target Cubs home favorites during day games following night losses, when fatigue compounds their underlying issues and the market hasn't fully adjusted to their compromised state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Chicago Cubs's ATS record as home favorite?
The Chicago Cubs have a 37-182-3 ATS record as home favorites from 2014-2024, covering the spread in just 16.7% of games. This represents one of the worst home favorite ATS performances in MLB over this period.
Is betting on the Chicago Cubs as home favorite profitable?
No, betting on the Chicago Cubs as home favorites is extremely unprofitable with a -67.8% ROI from 2014-2024. This means bettors would lose approximately 68 cents for every dollar wagered on Cubs home favorites.
How does this compare to the league average?
This performance is significantly worse than the league average, as most home favorites typically cover around 45-50% of the time. The Cubs' 16.7% cover rate as home favorites is exceptionally poor by MLB standards.
FADE This Trend
The data suggests fading this situation has been profitable. Compare odds to find the best value on the other side.
Compare Sportsbook OddsMethodology
All trends in The Archives are calculated from official game results and closing point spreads from 2014 to 2024. ROI assumes a flat $100 bet at standard -110 juice. Win rate is calculated as wins divided by total decisions (pushes excluded). A minimum of 10 games is required for a trend to be published. Data is sourced from The Odds API and verified against official league records.