I consider Max Scherzer the best pitcher in the National League, if not all of baseball. He's in great form, too, having allowed five earned runs in his last four starts spanning 27 innings. Scherzer has a 35-to-5 strikeout-to-walk ratio during this time frame.

It's a bargain to get him at such a low lay price. Scherzer's task is made easier with the Cubs' best hitter, Kris Bryant, out with a shoulder injury.

The Nationals have won a staggering 71 percent of Scherzer's last 72 starts.

Cubs starter Cole Hamels is past his prime. Hamels is making his third start for Chicago. The 34-year-old has been sharp in his first two outings for the Cubs, but those games were against the Pirates and Royals. I don't see Hamels stepping up enough to match Scherzer.