Washington Nationals Large Favorite (-7.5+) Betting Trend

The Nationals' historically poor performance as large favorites stems from fundamental organizational characteristics that create a perfect storm of underperformance when expectations are highest. Washington has consistently struggled with the psychological weight of being heavily favored, often facing teams with nothing to lose while carrying the burden of justifying inflated lines. This franchise has rarely possessed the type of dominant, ace-level pitching that typically drives large favorite scenarios in baseball, instead relying on inconsistent rotation depth that fails to deliver when the betting market demands certainty. The team's offensive approach has historically been feast-or-famine, creating volatility that works against them when oddsmakers expect blowout victories. Washington's bullpen construction over the years has also been problematic, frequently surrendering late leads that turn covers into costly losses. The franchise's inability to consistently perform in "should win" games reflects deeper issues with preparation and execution against inferior competition. For bettors, the actionable insight is clear: fade Washington as large favorites, particularly when they're laying significant run totals against rebuilding teams. This trend becomes most critical during interleague play and late-season matchups against eliminated clubs, where the Nationals' historical inability to step on opponents' throats becomes most pronounced.