The Cubs seem incapable of holding a lead and already sit 4.5 games back in the NL Central just a week into the season, but it’s way too early for all those dog-in-burning-house memes. In fact, the Cubs are still closer to the 88.5 wins projected at MyTopSportsBooks.com than the 79 that had everyone turning PECOTA into a curse word.
According to FanGraphs’ most recent projections, the Cubs are still on pace to win 85 games and once again tie for the NL Central crown after 162 games. It’s an incredibly close race, though, with the Brewers also at 85 and the Cardinals coming in at 87 wins.