After the NASCAR playoff lineup was finalized Sunday night at Darlington, the oddsmakers quickly got to work on their betting board.
They’re known for moving fast and making sharp decisions.
Let’s take a look at how the odds are shaping up as we gear up for the 10-race chase to the 2024 Cup Series title.
NASCAR playoff odds provided by Hard Rock.
+400: Kyle Larson, Christopher Bell
+425: Denny Hamlin
+600: Tyler Reddick, William Byron
+700: Ryan Blaney
+1200: Chase Elliott
+1600: Joey Logano
+1750: Brad Keselowski, Martin Truex Jr.
+3000: Ty Gibbs, Alex Bowman
+10000: Daniel Suarez, Austin Cindric, Chase Briscoe, Harrison Burton
Kyle Larson, yes, but Christopher Bell?
I wasn’t shocked to see Kyle Larson leading the pack, but if he had to share that top spot, I believe Denny Hamlin is a stronger choice than Bell, even though Denny is just slightly behind at +425.
Since 1972, when NASCAR’s “modern era” began, Hamlin has been the most successful driver without a championship. Each year, as we reach this point in the season, we wonder if this could finally be his moment. However, it’s always much easier to lose these titles than to win them.
Can Michael Jordan add another championship to his list?
Next on the above list is Tyler Reddick, and if you stopped right there and said the eventual champ will come from those top four, I couldn’t make a great argument against you. Reddick might enjoy some championship vibes from one of his team’s co-owners — a guy named Michael Jordan, who has quite a hardware collection in the home trophy case.
OK, OK, let’s make an exception to that top four with the guy next to Reddick on the board, Billy the Kid.
Byron has been consistently inconsistent nearly all season and hardly comes into the playoffs with all the juice getting to that rear axle. But that’s a Hendrick Chevy he’s driving, so if he gets his fourth win of the season over the next few weeks, and subsequently regains his footing and goes on a playoff roll, would you be shocked?
I didn’t think so.
The next three or four guys, I’d be at least mildly surprised.
Can Chase Elliott, Ryan Blaney find playoff mojo?
Blaney had a good July but before and after have brought little to suggest he’s ready to defend his Cup championship.
Ryan’s buddy Chase has somehow morphed into Terry Labonte and gone into points-gathering mode this year. Steady, most of the way, but few headlines and highlights.
Joey Logano is a two-time champ who knows the way to Phoenix, so he’s one of the few here who’d leave you saying, “Well, should’ve seen his turnaround coming; the guy’s too good to not contend.”
Kez has been serviceable to good all season. Serious playoff noise from him would be a pleasant but mild surprise.
NASCAR odds for playoffs: Kyle Larson a favorite, Chase Elliott a maybe, Martin Truex a no
