NRFI Today: 3 NRFI Picks, Predictions, Best Bets for Thursday, September 17, 2026

Today's Top NRFI Picks at a Glance

• Phillies vs. Mets NRFI (-106)
• Red Sox vs. Rangers NRFI (-122)
• Twins vs. Angels NRFI (-130)

The MLB season is an annual marathon that gives us months of daily betting markets to consider.

While traditional player props like home runs and strikeouts remain popular options, one market that's gained steam is betting whether or not no runs will be scored in the first inning -- aka a No Run First Inning (NRFI) bet.

On FanDuel Sportsbook's MLB odds, we can find NRFI odds listed as 1st Inning 0.5 Runs under the Innings tab for each MLB game.

Please note: lines are subject to change throughout the day after this article is published. You can also check out our MLB player news page to stay up to date with lineup news and injuries.

Check out the top MLB props for today.

Best NRFI Picks and Predictions for Today

Phillies vs. Mets NRFI (-106)

We'll start at Citi Field with Aaron Nola and Nolan McLean.

McLean has been excellent for the New York Mets this season. The right-hander owns a 3.24 ERA and 1.18 WHIP over 166 2/3 innings while recording a 26.5% strikeout rate. He's also been effective in the opening frame, posting a 3.41 first-inning ERA.

His history against the heart of the Philadelphia Phillies‘ lineup adds to the appeal. Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, Bryce Harper, and Luis Arraez are a combined 1-for-16 against McLean.

Nola's full-season numbers aren't as impressive, as he carries a 4.69 ERA into Thursday, but his 23.9% strikeout rate is encouraging. He's also pitched much better down the stretch, allowing two or fewer earned runs in eight of his past nine starts.

With two right-handers capable of generating strikeouts and McLean in particularly good form, Phillies-Mets is my favorite NRFI bet of the night.

Red Sox vs. Rangers NRFI (-122)

Sonny Gray gives us a strong foundation for this NRFI as the Boston Red Sox visit the Texas Rangers.

Gray has been fantastic in 2026, recording a 2.76 ERA and 1.17 WHIP across 156 2/3 innings. His 22.0% strikeout rate isn't elite, but he's consistently kept opposing offenses off the scoreboard.

He's been especially dependable from an NRFI perspective lately. Gray has completed the first inning without surrendering a run in eight of his past 10 starts.

Texas is expected to counter with reliever Tyler Alexander. The left-hander owns a 3.38 ERA this season and has been a starter previously, including four opener-type starts this season, so jhe has experience in the first frame.

I think Gray and Alexander have good enough stuff for this NRFI, and Globe Life Park is also working in our favor.

Twins vs. Angels NRFI (-130)

We'll head to the West Coast for our final pick, where Taj Bradley and Walbert Ureña are scheduled to start.

Ureña is the main attraction here. The Los Angeles Angels‘ right-hander has put together an excellent season, pitching to a 2.88 ERA and 1.24 WHIP over 137 1/3 innings while producing a 22.6% strikeout rate.

He's also been outstanding in the first inning. Ureña has completed the opening frame without allowing a run in 22 of his 25 starts, good for an 88% NRFI rate. That number climbs to 90% across his past 10 outings.

Bradley's overall 3.81 ERA isn't quite as dominant, but his ability to miss bats gives him plenty of upside in this market. He's struck out 190 hitters across 165 1/3 innings and owns a 27.3% strikeout rate for the Minnesota Twins this campaign.

The Angels' offense provides another reason to like Bradley's side of the matchup. Los Angeles is averaging only 4.05 runs per game this season, ranking near the bottom of MLB.

Ureña's first-inning track record is the biggest positive for this bet, and Bradley has enough swing-and-miss ability to hold up his end. That makes Twins-Angels NRFI enticing tonight.

NRFI Betting — Frequently Asked Questions

What does NRFI mean in baseball betting?

NRFI stands for No Run First Inning. It's a baseball bet where you wager that neither team will score in the first inning. The opposite bet — at least one run scored in the first inning — is called YRFI (Yes Run First Inning).

How does a NRFI bet work?

A NRFI bet is settled when the first inning is completed. If both teams fail to score, your bet wins. If either team scores one or more runs, the bet loses. The final game score has no bearing on the outcome.

What is the difference between NRFI and YRFI?

NRFI bets that no runs will score in the first inning, while YRFI bets that at least one run will.

What stats should I look at for NRFI bets?

The most important factors are usually each starting pitcher's first-inning ERA, WHIP, and strikeout rate (K%). You should also look at each team's first-inning batting average and on-base percentage as well as individual player stats for the first few batters in the lineup for each team.

Can I parlay NRFI bets?

Yes, FanDuel lets you parlay NRFIs across multiple games on the same slate.

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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.