Astros vs. Royals Dunkel MLB Picks, Predictions and Prop Bets - Sept. 17

The Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals play a rubber match on Thursday at 7:15 p.m. ET, with the series deadlocked at 1-1. Miguel Ullola (0-0, 3.38 ERA) gets the start for the Astros, who are 76-76 this season and first in the AL West. Seth Lugo (7-8, 4.99 ERA) is the expected starter for the Royals, who are 67-85 and fifth in the AL Central.

The Astros are moderate favorites on the moneyline (-169) at home over the Royals (+138). The game's over/under is set at 8.5.

Astros vs. Royals Odds, Game Time

• Game day: Thursday, September 17, 2026
• Game time: 7:15 p.m. ET
• Location: Houston, Texas
• Stadium: Daikin Park
• Favorite: Astros (-169)
• Underdog: Royals (+138)
• Over/under: 8.5

How to Watch Astros vs. Royals

• TV Channel: FOX
• Live Stream: Fubo (Watch for free)

Bet now on FanDuel Sportsbook!

Astros vs. Royals: Betting the Moneyline

• The Astros are 32-32 in games they were listed as the moneyline favorite (winning 50% of those games).
• Kansas City has been pegged as an underdog in 98 games this year and has walked away with the win 40 times (40.8%) in those games.
• Houston is 5-10 this season when entering a game favored by -169 or more on the moneyline.
• This year, the Royals have won eight of 23 games when listed as at least +138 or worse on the moneyline.
• Based on this matchup's moneyline, the Astros have an implied win probability of 62.8%.
• The moneyline set for this matchup implies the Royals have a 42% chance of coming away with a victory in the contest.

Astros vs. Royals: Betting the Spread & Total

• The Astros have had an over/under set by oddsmakers 152 times, and have combined with opponents to go over the total in 74 of those games (74-69-9).
• Kansas City and its opponents have hit the over in 66 of its 152 games with a total this season.
• The Astros have covered 52% of their games this season, going 79-73-0 ATS.
• The Royals are 75-77-0 against the spread in their 152 games with a line set by sportsbooks this season.