Chicago Cubs visit Oracle Park for a Bay Area three-game opener as road favorites with strong playoff odds. Boyd (12-6, 2.61) squares off against Verlander (1-10, 4.64) in a marquee matchup, with SF outside the NL wild-card picture and CHC riding an offense that sits top-10 in OPS. Giants’ handling against lefties adds weight to Boyd’s edge.

In the prop market, Boyd under 4.5 hits allowed stands out as SF ranks last against left-handed pitching. The Cubs’ blend of power and contact, plus Verlander’s SF struggles, fuels a lean toward Chicago on the road. Expect a measured, pitching-driven start and bullpen leverage that could shape the series.