Rangers vs. Astros ALCS Game 7 odds, props, predictions: World Series appearance on the line

Everything is on the line for the Astros and the Rangers in Game 7 of the ALCS after Texas forced this winner-take-all matchup. After playing 162 games in the regular season and 10-plus games for each team in the playoffs, it will all come down to Game 7 to see who will represent the AL in the World Series. Let’s take a look at odds, props and predictions for ALCS Game 7, set for 8:03 p.m. ET at Minute Maid Park.

The Rangers will have Max Scherzer on the mound, and the Astros will counter with Cristian Javier. These two starters have already faced off when Javier outdueled Scherzer in Game 3. 

Scherzer was making his return from injury in Game 3 and had not pitched since September. The only bright spot from his start was his stamina, which was not an issue as he did make it through four innings and threw 63 pitches. If Scherzer can bounce back, he will surely be looking to work deep into this game. 

The Astros would love Javier to repeat his Game 3 performance when he allowed only two earned runs over 5.2 innings. Javier had an up and down regular season but has been a big-game pitcher during his playoff career. In four career playoff starts, Javier has a 1.17 ERA and 28 strikeouts. His high K/9 has been pivotal in pitching out of tough situations over the last two postseasons.

Odds for Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros Game 7

The Astros opened as moneyline favorites, which is no surprise as the defending World Series champions are playing at home in Game 7. This is a line to watch as more money comes in on either side, which could push the odds in either direction right up until the first pitch.

ALCS odds movement

The ALCS series price heavily favored the Rangers after they jumped out to a 2-0 series lead. That was the time to buy on the Astros as the ALCS series price was a great value betting on Houston. Since the Astros tied up the series, they have been the favorite. Caesars currently offers the best moneyline odds on the Rangers, while BetMGM has the best odds for Houston. 

Texas Rangers betting news

The Rangers hot start in the series morphed into survival mode after losing three straight at home to the Astros. In games 1 through 5, the Rangers scoring was nothing to write home about, but early in the series great pitching was the key to victory. 

In Game 6, the Rangers decided to rely on something other than the pitching. Texas plated nine runs, their highest output in the ALCS by far — they hadn't scored more than five runs any other game. That may be tough facing Javier, but clutch hitting could be the difference between going home or clinching a World Series appearance.

Houston Astros betting news

The Astros are still in control, having won three of the last four games in the ALCS. It helps that Houston won comfortably with the same pitching matchup in Game 3. Still, defeating Scherzer twice in a week is easier said than done. 

The Astros lineup has been consistently producing runs after a tough start production-wise in the first two games of the ALCS. Starting in Game 3, the Astros have scored at least five runs in each of the last four games. If Houston gets that type of run production in Game 7 with Javier on the mound, making it back to the World Series seems likely.

Texas Rangers vs Houston Astros player props: Game 7

There are some interesting player props for Game 7 at BetMGM Sportsbook:

ALCS Game 7 pitching props

• Max Scherzer
  • 4.5 Strikeouts over (+105) / under (-135)
  • 1.5 Earned runs over (-145) / under (+100)
  • 13.5 Outs recorded over (-110) / under (-130)
• Cristian Javier
  • 4.5 Strikeouts over (-105) / under (-125)
  • 2.5 Earned runs over (+110) / under (-155)
  • 12.5 Outs recorded over (+105) / under (-145)

ALCS Game 7 batting props

• Jose Abreu
  • 0.5 Hits over (-200) / under (+150)
  • 0.5 RBIs over (+190) / under (-250)
  • 0.5 runs over (+140) / under (-185)
• Adolis Garcia 
  • 0.5 Hits over (-200) / under (+150)
  • 0.5 RBIs over (-105) / under (-125)
  • 0.5 runs over (-130) / under (+100)
• Corey Seager 
  • 1.5 Hits over (+115) / under (-155)
  • 0.5 RBIs over (+190) / under (-250)
  • 0.5 runs over (-130) / under (+100)
• Kyle Tucker
  • 0.5 Hits over (+195) / under (-275)
  • 0.5 RBIs over (+190) / under (-250)
  • 0.5 runs over (+130) / under (-165)
• Yordan Alvarez
  • 0.5 Hits over (+145) / under (-190)
  • 0.5 RBIs over (+190) / under (-250)
  • 0.5 runs over (+100) / under (-135)
• Jose Altuve
  • 0.5 Hits over (+220) / under (-300)
  • 0.5 RBIs over (+190) / under (-250)
  • 0.5 runs over (+110) / under (-145)

Texas Rangers vs. Houston Astros prediction: Astros continue quest for back-to-back World Series 

There's nothing better than a Game 7, and these two star-studded teams will leave it all on the field tonight. Every pitcher is likely available in this one, and every base runner will be critical with two quality starters on the mound. 

Still, the ALCS will likely come down to which team can score runs late in the game in the crucial moments. The Astros lineup is more dangerous and has outscored the Rangers in the ALCS 29-28 overall, but the tally is 25-21 over the last four games. It's not a huge advantage, but the Astros have the championship pedigree and should find a way to win this one.