Matthew Boyd’s Strong Starts Boosts the Chicago Cubs
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
From Forgotten to Fantasy Fixture: Matthew Boyd of the Chicago Cubs Return to Relevance
Boyd was nearly out of fantasy relevance—and, some thought, out of baseball—just a season ago. Now, he’s earning must-start status for the first-place Chicago Cubs, riding a comeback campaign that’s been quietly impressive.
-
ERA: 3.13
-
WHIP: 1.19
-
K/9: 9.4
-
Two-Start Week: @PHI, vs. PIT
Let’s be honest—this isn’t 2019 Matt Boyd, when he teased 200 Ks. But this version may be more valuable: a savvy, efficient lefty with enough swing-and-miss stuff and the run support of a Cubs team steamrolling the National League.
⚾ Matchup Outlook: Phillies & Pirates
✅ Start 1: At Philadelphia Phillies
Yes, the Phillies are dangerous on paper, but they’re not at full strength. Harper has missed time, Kyle Schwarber’s power has gone quiet, and the team has been inconsistent against lefties.
If Boyd can survive 5 innings and limit damage to 3 ER or less—which he’s done in most of his recent outings—the Cubs offense may take care of the rest.
✅ Start 2: vs. Pittsburgh Pirates
This is the money matchup. The Pirates are bottom-5 in OPS, runs scored, and average vs. left-handed pitching. Boyd’s command and slider should play extremely well here.
Verdict: Boyd is a plug-and-play SP2/3 in all formats this week—especially in roto or points leagues.
📈 Betting Preview: Targeting Boyd’s Two-Start Week
📊 Likely Lines (Estimates)
-
@PHI: Cubs +105 / Total: 8.5
-
vs. PIT: Cubs -135 / Total: 8.0
💰 Best Bets:
-
Boyd to Record a Win vs. PIT (+145)
With his form, Chicago’s offense, and Pittsburgh’s struggles, this is excellent value. -
First 5 Innings Under 4.5 (Both Starts)
Boyd is doing his best work early. He’s allowed 2 ER or fewer in the first five innings in 6 of his last 7 starts. -
K Prop Over 5.5 vs. Pirates (-110)
With swing-happy hitters like Tommy Pham and Ke’Bryan Hayes, this is an ideal strikeout spot.
🔥 Fantasy Manager’s Outlook
Boyd should be locked in fantasy lineups this week across formats. If he’s somehow still available in your 12-team league (especially weekly leagues), he’s worth an aggressive waiver bid.
-
DFS Players: Boyd is a prime value SP2 on slates vs. PIT
-
Streaming Strategy: He’s not matchup-proof, but this week, he might as well be.
“Not Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers… but who is?” you might say. Well, Boyd is doing a fine impression of a top-35 fantasy starter—and the Cubs trust him in every rotation turn.
🧠 Bonus Angle: Boyd vs. Merrill Kelly of the Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Yusei Kikuchi of the Los Angeles Angels
When comparing streaming arms this week:
| Pitcher | ERA | WHIP | Matchups | Start Confidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew Boyd | 3.13 | 1.19 | @PHI, vs. PIT | ✅✅✅ |
| Merrill Kelly | 3.43 | 0.99 | vs. SEA, vs. SD | ✅✅✅ |
| Yusei Kikuchi | 3.21 | 1.23 | vs. ATH, vs. BAL | ✅✅ |
All three are startable, but Boyd has the softest path to two wins, with matchups, momentum, and ballpark edge all in his favor.
🔚 Final Word
Boyd is more than just a streamer this week—he’s a weapon.
The Cubs’ breakout year is lifting all boats, and Boyd is benefitting from excellent support, improved pitch sequencing, and renewed confidence.
If you’re betting:
-
Take Cubs moneyline in Boyd’s starts, especially against Pittsburgh
-
Bet early innings Unders and look to ladder strikeout props vs. weaker lineups
If you’re managing a fantasy roster:
Start Boyd with confidence. Twice. And don’t look back.
You can read all about what’s going on in Major League Baseball at SportsGrid.com.
