Brewers vs Cubs Prediction: Odds, recent stats, trends, and best bets for May 18

The Brewers (26-18) and Cubs (29-18) meet at Wrigley Field for a three-game series. This is the first meeting of the season between NL Central opponents. Chicago dropped its series against the White Sox over the weekend, losing the past two games.

After going on a 10-game winning streak, the Cubs lost six of the next eight games. Chicago's pitching staff has a 5. 26 ERA (25th) over the last six games and allow a .

265 opponent batting average (26th). The offense is hitting . 205 in that span (26th), so it's safe to say Chicago is in a slump.

Milwaukee lost its previous game, which snapped a three-game winning streak. The Brewers are 8-2 in the last 10 games and currently the hottest team in the NL Central. Milwaukee's offense is clicking lately with a .