Who’s favored to win the National League? What are the odds on the Mets, Phillies? Eckel picks his bets

Do you think the Phillies can pull a surprise and win the National League this year? What about the Mets?

If you do, you could make some money with a bet at Parx Casino.

Rightfully so, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been installed as a heavy favorite to represent the National League in the World Series for the third time in four years at (+190) less than 2-1 odds.

But a lot can happen over the course of a 162-game schedule and two rounds of the playoffs. Just ask the wild-card turned World Champion Washington Nationals from a year ago.

The Phillies odds have dropped from 12-1 to 9-1, the co-fourth choice in the National League, while the Mets odds have risen from 8-1 to 10-1, he sixth overall choice.

Coincidentally while the Phillies are tied with the St. Louis Cardinals at those 9-1 odds for fourth lowest; they are still behind two other National League East teams, the Atlanta Braves (5-1) and the defending champion Nats (7-1).

Here’s the complete list of NL teams and their odds from Parx Casino:

Dodgers 9-5

Braves 5-1

Nationals 7-1

Phillies 9-1

Cardinals 9-1

Mets 10-1

Cubs 11-1

Brewers 15-1

Reds 18-1

Padres 22-1

Diamondbacks 30-1

Rockies 70-1

Pirates 100-1

Giants 125-1

Marlins 300-1

Take-Aways: Man, the Giants have really fallen. Was it that long ago that they were winning the World Series every other year? … The oddsmakers still believe in the Cardinals and there probably isn’t a more consistent team in either league. … The odds on the Pirates aren’t high enough.

Best Bet: I’m not going to take the Dodgers at those odds, because I’m just not. If you want to go ahead, and you may win, but the risk isn’t worth the reward. The Braves, at 5-1, is where I would go for a safe, but decent play.

Longshot Worth a Look: Cincinnati, at 18-1. The Reds went all-in this offseason and could easily make the playoffs. Then in a short series a top three rotation of all-stars Luis Castillo, Sonny Gray and former all-star Trevor Bauer is very formidable.