Christopher Bell stands at the forefront of the NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301 odds as the series shifts to New Hampshire Motor Speedway, his recent win at Bristol Motor Speedway marking a pivotal moment in the 2025 season. With the playoffs intensifying, Bell’s position and the shifting momentum among key drivers set up a crucial contest in the latest round.
For the fourth consecutive year, Christopher Bell has advanced to the Round of 12, underscoring his consistency in recent NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. However, Bell is still pursuing his first championship, and this season feels markedly different for him after ending a multi-month drought with a victory at Bristol.
Reflecting on his playoff trajectory in a recent interview, Bell described the evolution of his mindset:
In ’22 I felt like an underdog and we overperformed,
said Christopher Bell. He added that even as perceptions and odds shifted in later years, success remained elusive: “We made it to the championship event. And then 2023, I felt like a favorite, but got treated like an underdog, and still didn’t lead to a championship, obviously.
Bell continued, noting how the 2025 campaign has contrasted with past seasons. After a strong start, lackluster performances through the summer raised doubts about his championship prospects. However, improvements at Darlington and Gateway, followed by triumph in Bristol, have contributed to a renewed sense of momentum.
So, I feel like we’re slowly getting back to championship form, but certainly, going into the playoffs, I can’t tell you that I felt like it was ours to lose. That’s for sure.
– Christopher Bell, NASCAR Cup Series Driver
Key Playoff Dynamics and Leading Contenders
Entering the second round, Bell is ranked fourth in playoff points, maintaining a 20-point buffer above the elimination line. This margin is critical given the tight standings, as the four lowest-ranked drivers are separated from eighth-place Bubba Wallace by a mere three points. Such narrow margins heighten the stakes for each lap and pit decision as the playoffs progress.
After his Bristol win, Bell overtook Chase Elliott for the best average finish in 2025, a distinction Elliott had held over the past 12 races. According to NASCAR Insights, this shift reflects Bell’s improved form and the evolving competitive order as the postseason unfolds.
Major Narratives to Watch for the Mobil 1 301
Joe Gibbs Racing remains a dominant force, sweeping all three events in the opening playoff round and amassing 18 of the available 21 points. This collective performance cements the Huntersville-based organization as a top contender heading into New Hampshire.
Zane Smith notched a career-best third-place finish at Bristol, achieving his first top-10 result in over a dozen starts. His breakthrough points to the potential for upsets and shifting fortunes in the weeks to come.
Meanwhile, the playoffs proved harsh for Josh Berry, who finished last in all three Round of 16 events. Berry commented on the unprecedented run, saying:
Josh Berry’s playoff dreams come to an end in Bristol tonight. #NASCARPlayoffs
📺: @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/tnomDXW3bh
– Josh Berry, NASCAR Cup Series Playoff Driver, via NBC Sports
Driver Odds Leading into the Mobil 1 301
Heading into New Hampshire, betting lines illustrate the intense competition and shifting narrative. The odds for Sunday’s NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301 at New Hampshire Motor Speedway, as reported by BetOnline Sportsbook, spotlight several major drivers. These odds, current at publication time, help define the favorites and longshots for the event.
Top Picks and Drivers to Watch at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
Kyle Larson, listed at +650, is seeking redemption after a challenging 32nd-place at Bristol. Noted for his prowess on short-track ovals, Larson has achieved a pair of top-five finishes in his last three appearances at the 1.058-mile New Hampshire track, positioning him as a strong contender in the field.
Chase Briscoe follows at +750 in the odds. After capturing the opening Round of 16 event, Briscoe is focusing on precision and consistency, entering New Hampshire with a record of one top-five and two top-10s in his last three outings at Loudon. His approach reflects an emphasis on minimizing missteps as the playoff pressure mounts.
John Hunter Nemechek, considered a longshot at +10000, makes an intriguing proposition for bettors and fans alike. In his sole Cup appearance at the Monster Mile, Nemechek secured a top-10 finish, fueling questions about his potential breakthrough. Nemechek expressed pride in his recent performance:
Proud of our effort last night. Put ourselves in good position and executed all day but got hurt by the late race caution.#TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/qbAZ8YSRYW
– John Hunter Nemechek, Legacy Motor Club Driver
What’s at Stake in the NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301?
This weekend’s race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway is pivotal in shaping the playoff landscape and confirming which drivers have true championship-caliber form. For Christopher Bell, the blend of momentum and caution defines his mindset as favorites seek to secure their places in the next playoff round. The event promises high-intensity competition, with every point crucial for teams like Joe Gibbs Racing, Legacy Motor Club, and their top drivers. As the flag drops on the NASCAR Cup Series Mobil 1 301, the outcome will reverberate through the remainder of the 2025 playoffs and influence the final championship quest.
Following his win at Bristol, Christopher Bell took over the lead for the best average finish in 2025, a category Chase Elliott had led for the past 12 races. pic.twitter.com/iUVW52pIap
— NASCAR Insights (@NASCARInsights) September 16, 2025
Josh Berry's playoff dreams come to an end in Bristol tonight. #NASCARPlayoffs
📺: @USANetwork pic.twitter.com/tnomDXW3bh
— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) September 14, 2025
Proud of our effort last night. Put ourselves in good position and executed all day but got hurt by the late race caution.#TeamToyota pic.twitter.com/qbAZ8YSRYW
— John Hunter Nemechek (@JHNemechek) September 14, 2025
