Guardians vs. Mariners prediction and odds for Opening Day

Two darlings of the American League that made the postseason last season, the Guardians and Mariners, start the season against one another on Thursday's Opening Day.

The Guardians will turn to reliable Shane Bieber while the Mariners hope to get off to a strong start at home with Luis Castillo toeing the slab. There are two studs on the mound on Thursday night but also plenty of talent in each lineup with reigning American League Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez and worthy MVP candidate Jose Ramiriez slated to start.

Here are the odds for this Opening Day matchup:

Guardians vs. Mariners odds, run line and total

Guardians vs. Mariners prediction and pick

While this game is being lined as close to a coin flip, I'll side with the small home favorite Mariners to get off to a 1-0 start.

The two teams were both next to each other in terms of on-base percentage last season, but the Mariners were far more aggressive in the offseason, acquiring the likes of Teoscar Hernandez, A.J. Pollack and Kolten Wong to bolster the lineup around J-Rod.

Considering I see both Castillo and Bieber, a pair Cy Young candidates this season, as near equals I'll give the nod to the Mariners at home with the higher ceiling on offense.

While the Guardians are the favorite to win the AL Central for good reason, give me the Mariners in the home opener behind a strong outing from Castillo.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.