Washington at Atlanta

Looking at these teams by name, it would be easy to conclude that the Braves should be a heavy chalk here. Looking at their standings would tell you otherwise, with the Nats trailing the Braves by just a single game in the loss column. That makes for difficult justification for a 2-1 odds favorite here as this is a reputation line, brought about by the Nats horrible teams over the past several years. Tommy Hanson has pitched very well, but the Nats already pinned a loss on him this year. John Lannan looks like he has bad numbers, but he has been very good, excluding a six run two inning performance vs. Philly. Lannon has come up big on the road with the Nats winning six of his last eight road starts. Washington has done well here in Atlanta winning four of the last five. I am on Washington here.