Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Who Has the Edge in the Series Opener?

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Get the latest MLB matchup analysis, pitching comparison, team trends, lineups, injuries, and best betting angles.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction for Monday, August 24, 2026, leans toward the Washington Nationals because Cade Cavalli gives Washington a substantial starting-pitching advantage over Ryan Feltner. Cavalli enters the matchup at 11-5 with a 3.22 ERA and 162 strikeouts, while Feltner is 5-7 with a 5.97 ERA and 64 strikeouts.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction also favors Washington because both teams have struggled recently, but Colorado’s recent form has been particularly concerning. The Rockies have lost six of their last seven games and enter the series at 50-79, while Washington is 61-70 and has lost six of its last seven.

The strongest angle is Washington on the moneyline, although the Nationals’ recent offensive struggles make the total worth considering as well. Washington has gone under in six consecutive games and is allowing only 2.8 runs per game over its last five.

Prediction: Nationals to win

Best bet: Nationals moneyline

Lean: Under, depending on the posted total

Projected score: Nationals 5, Rockies 3

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Matchup Overview

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction begins with two teams moving in opposite directions over the course of the 2026 season, even though both are coming into this series with significant recent problems.

Colorado is 50-79 and sits fifth in the NL West, 28.5 games behind the division leader. Washington is 61-70 and sits fourth in the NL East, 14.5 games back.

Those records create an important baseline for the matchup.

Colorado has been particularly poor away from home. The Rockies are 23-42 on the road this season, compared with a 27-37 home record. Washington, meanwhile, is 34-34 at home, giving the Nationals a major situational advantage with this four-game series taking place in Washington.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction is also influenced by the fact that the teams already met three times in July. Washington won two of those three games, taking the 2026 season series 2-1.

The previous series produced plenty of offense in two games:

Washington won 7-3 on July 20.

Colorado won 8-7 on July 21.

Washington won 8-0 on July 22.

That series showed both sides of this matchup. Colorado can produce runs, but Washington has already demonstrated that its pitching can neutralize the Rockies’ offense.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Recent Form

Recent form is one of the clearest reasons to be cautious about backing either offense aggressively.

Colorado has gone 4-6 over its last 10 games and has lost six of its last seven overall.

The Rockies’ most recent stretch includes:

Date | Opponent | Result
Aug. 22 | Cleveland | L, 4-3
Aug. 21 | Cleveland | L, 9-1
Aug. 19 | Dodgers | L, 6-4
Aug. 18 | Dodgers | L, 7-6
Aug. 17 | Dodgers | L, 11-5
Aug. 16 | Giants | W, 13-7
Aug. 15 | Giants | L, 7-1
Aug. 14 | Giants | W, 5-2
Aug. 12 | Diamondbacks | W, 6-4
Aug. 11 | Diamondbacks | W, 3-2

Colorado has scored 52 runs across those 10 games while allowing 58. The offense has shown flashes, particularly against San Francisco, but the Rockies have not been able to consistently convert offensive production into wins.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction becomes even more interesting because Washington’s recent form is arguably worse from a win-loss perspective.

The Nationals are 2-8 over their last 10 games and have also lost six of their last seven.

Their last 10 results are:

Date | Opponent | Result
Aug. 22 | Miami | L, 4-2
Aug. 21 | Miami | L, 3-2
Aug. 20 | Texas | L, 2-0
Aug. 19 | Texas | W, 6-0
Aug. 18 | Texas | L, 5-0
Aug. 16 | Mets | L, 4-3
Aug. 15 | Mets | L, 5-4
Aug. 14 | Mets | L, 4-1
Aug. 13 | Cubs | W, 7-0
Aug. 12 | Cubs | L, 12-6

Washington has scored 31 runs during that span and allowed 40.

That explains why the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction cannot simply rely on Washington’s better season record. The Nationals are struggling offensively and have been unable to consistently win games despite some excellent pitching performances.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Starting Pitchers

Starting pitching is the biggest factor in the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction.

Ryan Feltner

Ryan Feltner is projected to start for Colorado.

His listed 2026 numbers are:

Record: 5-7

ERA: 5.97

Strikeouts: 64

Feltner’s 5.97 ERA is the biggest concern for Colorado bettors.

The Rockies already have a 5.53 team ERA, and putting a pitcher with a nearly six-run ERA against a Nationals lineup that includes several productive hitters creates a difficult matchup.

Colorado’s pitching staff is also allowing a .288 opponent batting average according to the supplied team statistics.

That combination makes it difficult to project a low-scoring game solely because Washington has been struggling offensively.

Cade Cavalli

Cade Cavalli is scheduled to start for Washington.

His numbers are significantly stronger:

Record: 11-5

ERA: 3.22

Strikeouts: 162

The difference between the two starters is enormous.

Cavalli has 98 more strikeouts than Feltner and a 2.75-run advantage in ERA.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction therefore has a clear pitching edge on the Washington side.

Cavalli also has recent history against Colorado. He was the winning pitcher in Washington’s 8-0 victory over the Rockies on July 22.

That is another reason the matchup favors Washington. Cavalli has already faced this lineup this season and delivered a dominant result.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Offensive Comparison

Colorado’s offense has been productive enough to make this matchup competitive.

The Rockies are hitting .253 as a team according to the supplied statistics, compared with Washington’s .248.

Colorado is also averaging 4.8 runs per game.

The lineup features several hitters with batting averages around or above .260, including Jake McCarthy, Mickey Moniak, Willi Castro, TJ Rumfield and Troy Johnston.

McCarthy is particularly important.

He is listed at .294 for the season in the team-leaders section and has 63 runs, 13 home runs, 68 RBI and 23 stolen bases in the supplied lineup statistics. He also went 2-for-4 with a stolen base against Cleveland on Saturday.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction therefore should not assume Colorado will be shut down simply because Cavalli is starting.

Colorado has enough contact ability and speed to create problems if Cavalli loses command.

The projected lineup also includes Hunter Goodman among the team’s key offensive leaders. Goodman leads Colorado with 34 home runs and 69 RBI, although his shoulder issue means his availability needs to be monitored before betting on any player props.

Washington’s lineup is headlined by CJ Abrams.

Abrams is hitting .279 and has 29 home runs, 91 RBI and 23 stolen bases in the supplied statistics.

His 91 RBI lead both teams.

Daylen Lile has 15 home runs and 66 RBI, while Keibert Ruiz is hitting .279. The Nationals also have players such as Nasim Nunez who can contribute with speed.

The major concern is that Washington has recently struggled to score.

That makes the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction more dependent on whether Washington can turn its pitching advantage into enough offensive production.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Team Statistics

The broader statistical profile gives Washington another advantage.

Category | Rockies | Nationals
Record | 50-79 | 61-70
Runs/Game | 4.8 | 5.2
Batting Average | .253 | .248
Team ERA | 5.53 | 4.67
Opponent AVG | .288 | .257
Home Record | 27-37 | 27-36
Road Record | 23-42 | 34-34
Last 10 | 4-6 | 2-8

Interestingly, Washington has the higher scoring average despite the lower team batting average.

The Nationals also have a much better team ERA and opponent batting average.

That is important because betting MLB games requires looking beyond batting average.

Washington’s pitching profile is substantially stronger.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction therefore favors Washington even though Colorado has a slightly better team batting average.

The biggest statistical mismatch is pitching.

Colorado’s 5.53 ERA is nearly a full run higher than Washington’s 4.67 ERA. Its .288 opponent batting average is also significantly worse than Washington’s .257.

Those numbers are difficult to ignore.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Head-to-Head History

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction also has to account for the recent head-to-head record.

Washington won two of the three meetings in July 2026.

The scores were:

Nationals 7, Rockies 3

Rockies 8, Nationals 7

Nationals 8, Rockies 0

That gives Washington a 2-1 advantage in the 2026 season series.

The most recent meeting is particularly relevant because it featured Cavalli pitching Washington to an 8-0 victory.

The previous season produced a different result. Colorado won the 2025 season series 4-3.

Washington won the 2024 season series 4-2.

All-time, Colorado leads the matchup 132-108.

However, historical head-to-head records are generally less important than current personnel, starting pitching and recent team form.

For Monday’s game, the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction should place considerably more weight on Cavalli versus Feltner than on the all-time series record.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: The Under

The total could be one of the more interesting components of the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction.

Washington has hit the under in six straight games.

Its recent scores have been extremely low:

4-2

3-2

2-0

6-0

5-0

4-3

Washington has scored just 20 runs across those six games.

At the same time, the Nationals are allowing only 2.8 runs per game over their last five, which is 44.9% below their season average.

That is a dramatic defensive and pitching improvement.

The problem for under bettors is Colorado.

The Rockies have a 5.53 team ERA, and Feltner has a 5.97 ERA.

Colorado’s games can quickly become high-scoring affairs, as shown by recent results against the Dodgers and Giants.

Therefore, the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction does not make the under an automatic selection.

The number matters.

If the sportsbook posts a high total, the under becomes more attractive because Washington’s recent offensive performance and Cavalli’s 3.22 ERA support a lower-scoring game.

If the number is already very low, however, Colorado’s pitching issues create significant over risk.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Moneyline

The moneyline is arguably the cleanest way to approach the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction.

Washington has several advantages:

Better overall record.

Home-field advantage.

Better starting pitcher.

Better team ERA.

Better opponent batting average.

Better road performance by Colorado creates additional concern for the Rockies.

Washington won two of three meetings in July.

Colorado’s primary advantages are offensive.

The Rockies hit .253 compared with Washington’s .248 and average 4.8 runs per game.

But Washington averages 5.2 runs per game and has the superior pitching profile.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction therefore favors the Nationals on the moneyline.

The biggest reason not to be overly aggressive is Washington’s 2-8 record over its last 10.

That trend shows that the Nationals are far from a reliable team right now.

Still, this particular matchup gives them one of their strongest possible advantages: a significantly better starting pitcher against a struggling opponent.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Run Line

The run line is more complicated.

Washington’s recent games have frequently been decided by small margins.

The Nationals lost 3-2 to Miami, 2-0 to Texas and 4-3 to the Mets during their recent skid.

That suggests bettors should be cautious about laying a large number of runs.

At the same time, Colorado has struggled badly on the road, where it is 23-42.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction on the run line depends heavily on the exact price.

If Washington is laying -1.5 at a favorable price, there is an argument for it because Cavalli could provide a multi-run advantage.

But the safer position remains the moneyline.

Colorado has also shown an ability to keep games close, particularly when its offense gets going.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Key Players to Watch

Jake McCarthy

McCarthy is one of Colorado’s most important offensive players.

He is hitting around .294 in the supplied team-leader data and has produced 23 stolen bases.

His ability to reach base and create pressure with his speed is important against Washington.

Hunter Goodman

Goodman leads Colorado with 34 home runs and 69 RBI.

His power is the primary reason Washington cannot simply attack the Rockies aggressively.

However, his shoulder issue makes his status one of the most important lineup developments to monitor.

CJ Abrams

Abrams is the standout offensive player for Washington.

He has 29 home runs, 91 RBI and 23 stolen bases while hitting .279.

His combination of power and speed gives Feltner a difficult matchup at the top of the Nationals order.

Cade Cavalli

Cavalli is the most important player for this game from a betting perspective.

His 11-5 record, 3.22 ERA and 162 strikeouts represent the clearest statistical advantage in the matchup.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Injury Report

Injuries are important when evaluating the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction, particularly because both clubs have meaningful players dealing with health issues.

Colorado’s injury list includes Hunter Goodman, who is day-to-day with a left shoulder strain. Tyler Freeman is dealing with lumbar pain, while Chase Dollander and McCade Brown are listed as questionable.

Kris Bryant remains on the injured list with lumbar degenerative disc disease.

Washington has James Wood listed as day-to-day with a strained left oblique. Drew Millas is also day-to-day with a left index finger fracture, while PJ Poulin and Richard Lovelady are questionable.

Several Washington pitchers remain unavailable, including Mitchell Parker, Ken Waldichuk, Josiah Gray and DJ Herz.

The lineup status of CJ Abrams is another important consideration. He was reported out of the lineup for Saturday’s game because of an ankle issue, while the supplied projected lineup has him batting first for this matchup.

That means bettors should confirm the official lineup before placing player-specific wagers.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Projected Lineups

Colorado Rockies

Jake McCarthy — CF

Mickey Moniak — LF

Willi Castro — 2B

TJ Rumfield — 1B

Troy Johnston — RF

Ezequiel Tovar — SS

Connor Norby — DH

Kyle Karros — 3B

Brett Sullivan — C

Washington Nationals

CJ Abrams — SS

Abimelec Ortiz — 1B

Dylan Crews — RF

Daylen Lile — LF

Keibert Ruiz — C

Jorbit Vivas — 3B

Nasim Nunez — 2B

Jose Tena — DH

Jacob Young — CF

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction gives Washington an edge if Abrams is available because he adds another dangerous bat at the top of the order.

Colorado’s lineup is deeper than its record might suggest, but the matchup against Cavalli remains difficult.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Best Bet

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction ultimately points toward Washington.

Best Bet: Nationals Moneyline

The strongest case is the starting-pitching disparity.

Cavalli:

11-5

3.22 ERA

162 strikeouts

Feltner:

5-7

5.97 ERA

64 strikeouts

Washington also owns the better overall record and has home-field advantage.

Secondary Lean: Under

The under deserves consideration because Washington has gone under in six straight games and is allowing only 2.8 runs per game over its last five.

However, Colorado’s pitching makes this wager more dependent on the posted number.

Run-Line Lean: Washington -1.5

The run line has appeal if the price is reasonable, but the moneyline is the more conservative option because Washington has been playing a lot of close, low-scoring games.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Why Washington Can Win

There are three primary reasons.

First, Cade Cavalli.

Washington’s starter has a 3.22 ERA and 162 strikeouts. He already dominated Colorado earlier this season.

Second, Colorado’s road record.

The Rockies are just 23-42 away from home.

Third, Colorado’s pitching.

A 5.53 team ERA and .288 opponent batting average are major vulnerabilities against a Washington lineup that averages 5.2 runs per game for the season.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction is therefore built around the expectation that Washington’s pitching controls the game early and the Nationals do enough offensively to win.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Why Colorado Can Win

There is still a path for the Rockies.

Colorado has the slightly better batting average and has demonstrated that it can score runs in bunches.

The Rockies also won one of three meetings against Washington in July, including an 8-7 victory.

If Feltner can avoid early damage and get through five innings without allowing a big inning, Colorado’s offense has enough talent to make this competitive.

McCarthy’s speed, Goodman’s power if available, and the overall .253 team batting average give Colorado opportunities.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction is therefore not a statement that Washington is guaranteed to win. It is a matchup-based assessment that gives the Nationals the superior probability because of the starting pitching and venue.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: What Bettors Should Watch

Before placing a wager, bettors should monitor four things.

1. Official Lineups

Confirm whether Abrams, Goodman and Wood are active.

2. Starting Pitcher Confirmation

Feltner and Cavalli are projected starters, but MLB lineups and pitching assignments can change.

3. The Total

Washington’s six-game under streak makes the total interesting, but Colorado’s pitching creates volatility.

4. Moneyline Price

The better the Washington price, the stronger the case for the Nationals moneyline.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction is most attractive when the market reflects Washington’s recent losing streak more heavily than its pitching advantage.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Season-Series Context

The 2026 season series currently favors Washington 2-1.

That is meaningful because the Nationals have already shown they can handle Colorado’s offense.

The three July games produced 25 total runs, but the final meeting was a shutout.

Washington’s ability to win both a high-scoring game and a dominant pitching game is encouraging.

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction also benefits from the fact that Washington’s projected starter was the pitcher who produced that 8-0 win.

Colorado won the 2025 season series 4-3, but that historical result carries less predictive weight than the current rosters and current pitching matchup.

Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction: Final Prediction

The Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction is Washington Nationals moneyline.

Colorado has the better recent offensive batting average, but Washington has the better overall pitching profile, home-field advantage and a substantial starting-pitching edge.

Cavalli’s 3.22 ERA against Feltner’s 5.97 ERA is the defining statistic.

Washington is also 61-70 compared with Colorado’s 50-79, while the Rockies are only 23-42 on the road.

The Nationals’ recent 2-8 stretch is the biggest warning sign, but the matchup is more favorable than that record suggests.

Colorado has lost six of its last seven, while Washington has also lost six of its last seven. The difference is that Washington enters the game with the much better starter.

Final pick: Washington Nationals moneyline

Projected score: Nationals 5, Rockies 3

Total lean: Under, if the market posts a sufficiently high number

Run-line lean: Nationals -1.5 at an attractive price

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is favored in the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction?

The Washington Nationals are the preferred side because they have home-field advantage and a major starting-pitching edge with Cade Cavalli facing Ryan Feltner.

What is the best Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction bet?

The Nationals moneyline is the preferred wager. Washington’s pitching advantage makes the moneyline safer than laying a run and a half.

Who are the starting pitchers for the Rockies and Nationals?

Ryan Feltner is projected to start for Colorado, while Cade Cavalli is projected to start for Washington. Feltner is 5-7 with a 5.97 ERA, while Cavalli is 11-5 with a 3.22 ERA.

What is the Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction for the total?

The under is worth considering because Washington has gone under in six consecutive games and has allowed only 2.8 runs per game over its last five. However, Colorado’s 5.53 team ERA creates over risk.

Who won the previous Rockies vs Nationals series?

Washington won two of the three meetings between the teams in July 2026. The Nationals won 7-3 and 8-0, while Colorado won 8-7.

How are the Rockies playing recently?

Colorado is 4-6 over its last 10 games and has lost six of its last seven. The Rockies are 50-79 overall and 23-42 on the road.

How are the Nationals playing recently?

Washington is 2-8 over its last 10 games and has also lost six of its last seven. The Nationals are 61-70 overall and 27-36 at home.

Which team has the better pitching?

Washington has the better pitching profile. The Nationals have a 4.67 team ERA and .257 opponent batting average, compared with Colorado’s 5.53 ERA and .288 opponent batting average.

Which team has the better offense?

The Rockies have the higher team batting average at .253 compared with Washington’s .248, but the Nationals average more runs per game, 5.2 to 4.8.

Is Washington a good run-line pick?

Washington -1.5 can be considered if the price is favorable, but the moneyline is the preferred Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction because Washington has played many close games recently.

Who is the key player for Colorado?

Jake McCarthy is an important offensive piece, while Hunter Goodman provides Colorado’s biggest home-run threat with 34 homers in the supplied statistics.

Who is the key player for Washington?

CJ Abrams is Washington’s leading offensive player in the supplied statistics, with a .279 batting average, 29 home runs, 91 RBI and 23 stolen bases.

Does Cade Cavalli have an advantage against Colorado?

Yes. Cavalli has a 3.22 ERA and 162 strikeouts, and he already beat Colorado earlier in the 2026 season by pitching Washington to an 8-0 victory.

What is the biggest concern with betting Washington?

The Nationals’ recent form is the biggest concern. They are 2-8 in their last 10 games and have struggled to score consistently.

What is the biggest concern with betting Colorado?

Colorado’s pitching is the primary concern. The Rockies have a 5.53 team ERA, Feltner has a 5.97 ERA, and Colorado is only 23-42 on the road.

What is the final Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction?

The final Rockies vs Nationals Betting Prediction is Washington to win on the moneyline. The projected score is Nationals 5, Rockies 3, with an under lean if the posted total provides enough room for Washington’s recent low-scoring trend to matter.