National League Odds: Dodgers Remain Favorites Nearing Halfway Point

The National League has become an exciting race to see which of the MLB's top teams can break through.

After a season where the Arizona Diamondbacks unexpectedly won the National League, the powerhouse teams are trying to get back to the World Series. It was a two-team race in many people's minds heading into the 2024 campaign but has since been opened to a three-team race, with the third team to join being the one to make the biggest splash thus far.

Let's dive into the National League odds via the MLB odds at FanDuel Sportsbook and look at the favorites to win the NL in 2024.

Note: All advanced statistics are from FanGraphs.

National League Odds

Los Angeles Dodgers (+140)

They may not have the best record in the National League, but the Los Angeles Dodgers are understandably at the top of the odds.

A loaded offseason featuring the additions of Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Tyler Glasnow, and Teoscar Hernandez made Los Angeles the undeniable favorites in the NL. With the first half of the season coming to a close soon, we know what this team is, and it shouldn't be a surprise that they've been as good as advertised.

The Dodgers sit atop the NL West with a 45-29 record -- making them second overall in the NL.

Offensively, this Dodgers team has been right where you'd assume they'd be. The team ranks first in wOBA (.338), third in home runs (98), third in ISO (.181), and first in wRC+ (122). When you have Ohtani, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman at the top of your lineup, these types of numbers are expected.

Pitching-wise, it shouldn't be a surprise that they continue to deliver there, too. Led by Tyler Glasnow and Yamamoto, the Dodgers' pitching staff has put together the eighth-best SIERA (3.71) while ranking ninth in FIP (3.83), fourth in ERA (3.28), and second in WHIP (1.12).

However, they will have to deal for the next few weeks (and potentially longer) without Yamamoto and Betts. The right-handed starter was just placed on the 15-day injured list, and Betts has a fractured hand, though it doesn't require surgery. Los Angeles is awaiting the return of Clayton Kershaw and Max Muncy, as well.

The Dodgers have the talent to stay at the top of the division even with all the missing pieces, and they're still listed at -6000 odds to win the NL West, so that's not an issue. But if they're going to win the NL in October, they will need their full team to get healthy by playoff time.

Despite the injuries, no one should lose confidence in where the Dodgers can go this postseason.

Philadelphia Phillies (+270)

The best pitching in the NL goes to the Philadelphia Phillies thus far, and it's why they have the second-shortest odds to win the National League.

A rotation anchored by Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suarez is going to make a difference. Suarez (+350) and Wheeler (+450) sit first and third, respectively, in the NL Cy Young odds on FanDuel Sportsbook.

They've made a huge difference for Philadelphia, who are near -- or at -- the top of almost every pitching category.

The Phillies are third in ERA (3.16), first in SIERA (3.46), fourth in WHIP (1.15), first in FIP (3.33), first in K/9 (9.19), and first in strikeout rate (24.9%). It's absolute dominance -- the type that can get you to the World Series. As we know with pitching, that's what leads to the big runs in the playoffs. So far, so good for Philadelphia.

Having an offense that features Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, and Kyle Schwarber doesn't hurt, either. It brings them near the top of the majors in offense, as well, with Philly ranking fourth in wOBA (.327), sixth in homers (83), and fourth in runs (364).

The Phils are clicking in all aspects and are clear division favorites, listed at -330 odds to win the NL East. They're not far behind LA, either.

The absence of J.T. Realmuto will be something to watch with this team. He is expected to be out a month, and that can hurt both the offense and pitching.

If you're looking beyond the Dodgers in the NL, I like the Phillies at these +270 odds.

Atlanta Braves (+450)

It's been a trying year for the Atlanta Braves, yet they find themselves with a strong 39-31 record -- sitting in the top NL Wild Card spot.

You can't talk about the Braves' season without first addressing the brutal injuries they've dealt with.

Their ace, Spencer Strider, is out for the season due to elbow surgery. They're also without reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. after the outfielder tore his ACL.

Those are two injuries that many teams don't recover from -- but the Braves have managed to keep things up the best they can on the mound and at the plate.

The resurgence of Chris Sale has helped them fill in for Strider's absence. As a team, they have a 3.68 ERA (8th), 3.65 FIP (7th), 3.64 SIERA (6th), and 23.9% strikeout rate (4th) -- ranking in the top 10 in each category.

It's pitching that they've leaned on most to find their success -- as the hitting side of things haven't been anywhere close to last year. It has resulted in overall struggles on offense -- with and without Acuna.

Since May 1st, the Braves have been terrible at scoring runs. They rank 26th in baseball with 159 runs. Atlanta is also 23rd with a .297 wOBA in that time.

Overall on the campaign, their home runs are low after they led MLB last year -- ranking 13th (76). They're also in the bottom half with a 23.2% strikeout rate.

Unfortunately for the Braves, they won't have their two best players returning this season. When looking at who is going to take the NL, it's hard to have much trust in the Braves right now.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.