The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is already generating buzz as sportsbooks release their latest championship odds, with veteran Denny Hamlin emerging as the clear favorite.
Hamlin sits at +150 on DraftKings Sportsbooks, a price that reflects his early points lead and five victories in the first part of the season. He currently leads the standings by 84 points over Tyler Reddick, who has also collected five wins, three of them early in the campaign.
Points dynamics and emerging challengers
Ryan Blaney, the 2023 champion, is priced at +650 and occupies third place in the points table with two wins to his name. Kyle Larson, the defending champion, carries +800 odds despite remaining winless through 22 races, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the season.
Further down the board, three‑time champion Joey Logano is listed at +2000 after a hot streak that includes victories at North Wilkesboro and a third‑place finish at Indianapolis. William Byron, winless in 2026 but historically strong in the playoffs, is priced at +3000, a reflection of Hendrick Motorsports’ tendency to peak late in the year.
Longshots with late‑season upside
Chase Briscoe, fresh off a Chicagoland victory and a history of late‑season surges, is priced at +1800 and could join the mix as the ten‑race Chase approaches. The points reset before The Chase means the standings will be shaken up, giving longshots a realistic path to the title.
Fourteen races remain in the 2026 campaign, and The Chase is set to begin in four events. As the season progresses, the interplay of early dominance, mid‑season form and playoff momentum will determine whether Hamlin’s odds hold or if a darker horse can rewrite the narrative.