2026 NASCAR Cup Series Title Odds: Kyle Larson Favored; Denny Hamlin Falling

By Fox Sports | Created at 2026-10-16 14:51:46 | Updated at 2026-10-16 15:33:40 49 minutes ago

The 2025 NASCAR season ended on a high note for champion Kyle Larson.

For Denny Hamlin, it couldn't have ended worse, as the veteran driver watched his chances of securing his first title elude him once again.

Now, Hamlin could be watching his title chances slip away for the second year in a row. He came into the postseason as the regular-season champion and with the most points.

He now sits 49 points behind Kyle Larson in The Chase standings.

With that, Hamlin is second on the board, while Larson leads the pack as the clear favorite. In fact, since the end of the regular season, Larson's title odds have moved all the way from +1400.

Here are the latest lines for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship at DraftKings Sportsbook as of Oct. 16, with expert predictions from the beginning of the season.

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NASCAR Cup Series Championship 2026

Kyle Larson: -135 (bet $10 to win $17.41 total)
Denny Hamlin: +220 (bet $10 to win $32 total)
Christopher Bell: +550 (bet $10 to win $65 total)
Chase Briscoe: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Ryan Blaney: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Joey Logano: +2000 (bet $10 to win $210 total)
Tyler Reddick: +3500 (bet $10 to win $360 total)
Austin Cindric: +7500 (bet $10 to win $760 total)
Ty Gibbs: +8000 (bet $10 to win $810 total)
Bubba Wallace: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
William Byron: +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,510 total)
Chase Elliott: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Carson Hocevar: +20000 (bet $10 to win $2,010 total)
Daniel Suárez: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Chris Buescher: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)
Ryan Preece: +50000 (bet $10 to win $5,010 total)

Here's insight from FOX Sports motorsports insider Bob Pockrass
(odds as of Jan. 28):

Denny Hamlin
+500 to win the Cup Championship

The driver who had the most wins last year and led until the final laps of the championship race will be a favorite in the new 10-race championship format. Many of the tracks in those 10 fit into Hamlin’s wheelhouse. I know, I know, every season begins with wondering if this year could be the year for Hamlin. This season? It really could be.

Chase Elliott
+850 to win the Cup Championship

Of all the drivers who could thrive in this new championship format that rewards consistency, Elliott possibly tops the list. He wrecked out of only two races last year, and he likes this format, which could go a long way when it comes to performance. Plus, Chevrolet has a new body that should result in improved results.