Chicago Cubs vs Milwaukee Brewers predictions: NLDS Game 5 picks and odds

Chicago Cubs pitcher Drew Pomeranz (45) throws the ball against the Washington Nationals during the first inning at Wrigley Field.

Editor's Note: Follow Cubs-Brewers Game 5 with our live blog, here.

The Chicago Cubs and the Milwaukee Brewers are on the brink of a high-stakes Game 5 in the 2025 MLB playoffs on Saturday, a win-or-go-home scenario that will determine who secures their place in the championship series.

The National League Division Series is currently deadlocked at 2-2 and is heading back to Milwaukee, setting the stage for a thrilling Game 5. Both the Cubs and the Brewers have announced that they will use relievers as openers. Left-hander Drew Pomeranz will start for the Cubs, while right-hander Trevor Megill will take the mound for the Brewers. The winner of this game will advance to face the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series, which begins on Monday.

In the 18th meeting between these two teams this season, the Cubs are on a mission to make history. They aim to become the 11th team and the first since 2017 to claim a League Division Series after falling 0-2 to start.

Here are the current predictions and odds for this must-watch Game 5.

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs betting odds, lines, spread

Odds according to BetMGM:

Cubs Spread: +1.5
Brewers Spread: -1.5

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs predictions

BetMGM: Brewers will win

Staff writes: Based on recent trends the model predicts the Brewers will win Saturday‘s MLB game with 55.8% confidence, factoring in game simulations, recent player performances, starting pitchers and injuries."

Draftkings: Brewers

Zach Thompson writes: "The Brewers took the first two games of the series convincingly, 9-3 and 7-3. The Cubs definitely got a big boost from playing at Wrigley Field, but back in Milwaukee, the Brewers should be able to get back in the win column. They’re much more familiar with bullpen games, and Misiorowski is a huge piece of their plan that gives them a significant advantage."

Sports Illustrated: Brewers

Ryan Gilbert writes: "Home-field advantage has held strong in this series with both the Brewers and Cubs winning two games at their home ballparks. We’re back in Milwaukee for Game 5, and it’s hard to see the Brewers losing this one at home. The Brewers went 52-29 at home this season while the Cubs were just 42-39 on the road. Chicago did take two of three in Milwaukee way back in May, but the Brewers have now won four of the last five meetings, including the playoffs, at home."

How to watch the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs Game 5

NLDS Game 5 between the Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs will begin at 8:08 p.m. ET on Saturday at American Family Field.