Game 3 of the World Series tonight isn’t an elimination game, but it feels like you died in the Bronx. According to MLB.com, 92 teams have fallen behind 0-2 in a seven-game postseason series. Only 15 have won the series.

Those numbers get even bleaker for the Yankees if the Dodgers win tonight and take a 3-0 series lead.

Los Angeles has won five of its last six games. Despite the hot streak and the New York bats going cold, the bookies are giving the Yankees an advantage in World Series Odds for game 3.

Dodgers vs. Yankees predictions and best bets

• Yankees ML: -146 odds at FanDuel
• Over 8.5 runs: -120 odds at bet365

Note: Odds are based on the best value our experts can find at the time of publication; check the lines closer to game time to ensure you have the best odds.

It may seem unlikely that the Bronx Bombers will come back and gain control in the World Series. However, history is on the Yankees’ side for Game 3 and the rest of the postseason.

WhoWins.com reports that teams that return home 0-2 in a seven-game streak have won 62.3 percent of the time. New York is 3-1 at Yankee Stadium this postseason, with the only loss coming in the ALDS.

In 1978 and 1981, the most recent World Series matchups between the Dodgers and Yankees, the home team took the first two games and lost four in a row.

I’m not calling for NY to win four in a row, but I like the Yankees’ chances to win Game 3.

To do this, Aaron Judge must break out of his ice-cold slump. Fortunately, his batting averages at home are slightly better than his production on the road.

According to ESPN, Shohei Ohtani is expected to play tonight after suffering a shoulder injury in Game 2. Depending on Ohtani’s pain tolerance, there’s a chance the injury won’t affect his performance on the field.

However, any decrease in Shohei’s impact would help the Yankees take Game 3.

Ohtani has 10 RBIs and a .403 OBP in the playoffs. He didn’t do much damage against the Yankees (one hit, one walk, zero RBIs in eight ABs). If Ohtani goes a third straight game without an RBI, it would be a first this postseason.

I’m also betting on the over since both starters are making just their third playoff appearance. Clarke Schmidt wasn’t too impressive (9.1 IP, 9 hits, 4 ER) and Walker Buehler shut out the Mets but gave up six earned runs against the Padres.

Dodgers vs. Money Lines Odds Analysis Yankees

Why the Yankees could win as favorites

Best Odds: -146 on FanDuel

If the Yankees can force Buehler to leave early, it would provide a massive advantage in tonight’s game and the rest of the World Series. The Dodgers only have three healthy starting pitchers, and if NY can extend the streak past Game 4, it could put some serious strain on LA’s bullpen.

New York needs to start producing offensively for that to happen. The Yankees had three runs or fewer in the first two games, which had happened just three times in the nine games leading up to the World Series.

One of the main culprits of New York’s lackluster production is Judge. The likely AL MVP has been mostly cool with a glimmer of success this postseason.

Judge has six RBIs and all have come in a three-game span against the Rangers. Outside of those three games, Judge has four hits and 13 strikeouts.

In the World Series, he is 1 for 9 with six K’s and no walks.

Most of the judge’s problems are related to decision making. CBS Sports reports that Aaron’s swing rate on pitches out of the zone increased 9.6 percent in the playoffs.

Juan Soto has been the Yankees’ most reliable hitter and needs to stay hot in Game 3.

Soto leads the team in playoff hits and ranks second with nine RBIs. The 26-year-old has a hit in four straight games, two of which were multi-hit outings.

Why the Dodgers could win as underdogs

Best Odds: +130 at Caesars

Buehler missed significant time with the injury in 2022 and 2023. He returned to health in 2024, but the injury struck again, limiting Buehler to 16 regular season games.

Buehler was 1-6 in the regular season with a 5.38 ERA and was hit or miss in the postseason. Even if Buehler goes down, the Dodgers’ potent offense is very capable of hanging a lopsided number on Schmidt and the Yankees’ relievers.

Schmidt’s two postseason games did not last into the fifth inning and he allowed two runs in both appearances. The Dodgers lineup is one of the most feared in baseball, with solid hitters from top to bottom.

Ohtani, Mookie Betts, Tommy Edman and Teoscar Hernandez combined for 46 postseason RBIs. Don’t forget Freddie Freeman and his walk-off grand slam in Game 1. He had just one RBI before the World Series and that number had already increased to six.