NL Central Predictions, Odds and Expert Picks for the 2022 MLB Season on FanDuel Sportsbook

Spring Training is coming to an end and the 2022 MLB season is rapidly approaching. There's been no shortage of drama and stoppages this offseason, and baseball fans can breathe a sigh of relief now that we only have games to focus on.

The 2022 World Series race is wide open outside of the Los Angeles Dodgers (+470), but some early favorites stand out in the field, according to MLB odds from FanDuel Sportsbook. The Toronto Blue Jays (+950), Chicago White Sox (+1000), Houston Astros (+1000) and New York Mets (+1100) are all considered legitimate contenders. 

Before they worry about the World Series, though, teams need to focus on the regular season and take care of their division.

With that in mind, here is how industry experts see the National League Central shaping up in 2022.

Picks to Win the National League Central

Predictions from USA Today come from their panel of six experts, PECOTA projections come from Baseball Prospectus, and Clay Davenport (who co-founded Baseball Prospectus) projections come from his personal website. FanDuel Sportsbook win totals and odds to win the division are as of April 1, 2022.

USA Today: Milwaukee Brewers
PECOTA: Milwaukee Brewers
Clay Davenport: Milwaukee Brewers
FanDuel Sportsbook Favorite: Milwaukee Brewers (-170)

The Milwaukee Brewers are in the midst of a four-year playoff streak and own one of the best pitching staffs in baseball. They remain the clear favorite to win the NL Central in 2022.

Milwaukee Brewers Predictions 2022

USA Today: 92-70
PECOTA: 93-69
Clay Davenport: 90-72
FanDuel Sportsbook Win Total: 89.5
Odds to Win AL East: -170

Look for the Brewers to rely on a stellar starting rotation in hopes that their offense can bounce back in a big way. Milwaukee is in the mix to finish right around the 90-win mark, according to all of the projections.

St. Louis Cardinals Predictions 2022

USA Today: 89-73
PECOTA: 80-82
Clay Davenport: 75-87
FanDuel Sportsbook Win Total: 84.5
Odds to Win the AL East: +240

The projections for the Cardinals are simply all over the place. USA Today sees St. Louis being in the playoff race with ease, while both PECOTA and Clay Davenport expect an under-.500 finish.

Chicago Cubs Predictions 2022

USA Today: 75-87
PECOTA: 72-90
Clay Davenport: 80-82
FanDuel Sportsbook Win Total: 74.5
Odds to Win AL East: +1100

The Cubs have a roster filled with new faces and the projections certainly take that into account. A losing record is expected across the board, but Clay Davenport sees Chicago exceeding expectations.

Cincinnati Reds Predictions 2022

USA Today: 72-90
PECOTA: 80-82
Clay Davenport: 84-78
FanDuel Sportsbook Win Total: 73.5
Odds to Win AL East: +1600

An offseason fire sale has caused the Reds' playoff odds to plummet. Clay Davenport is the only one who sees Cincinnati finishing over .500. USA Today has the team grabbing 11 less wins than in 2021.

Pittsburgh Pirates Predictions 2022

USA Today: 60-102
PECOTA: 66-96
Clay Davenport: 70-92
FanDuel Sportsbook Win Total: 64.5
Odds to Win AL East: +5000

Another rebuilding year is on the horizon for the young Pirates. The projections suggest Pittsburgh is going to be in the running for the worst record in the league. Clay Davenport has higher hopes, though.

Larry Rupp is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Larry Rupp also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username phillyfan424. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.