The 2026 NASCAR Cup Series season will officially begin on Sunday, February 15, setting the stage for an electrifying year with the sport’s biggest names all focused on the ultimate prize. With BetMGM releasing the latest NASCAR Cup Series Championship odds, fans and bettors are analyzing the field, hoping to predict who will lift the trophy at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 8, regardless of that race’s specific outcome.
This year marks a notable shift with the return of The Chase format, moving away from the previous elimination-style system. After 26 regular-season races, the 16 drivers with the highest points will move on to a high-stakes, 10-race Chase that will ultimately decide the 2026 champion. The odds reflect this strategic change, emphasizing consistency and late-season performance in the battle for racing’s biggest title.
The Top Favorites for the 2026 Title
As anticipation builds for the Daytona 500, BetMGM has identified Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, and William Byron as the top picks among the favorites. Each of these drivers brings a compelling story and plenty of momentum into the new season.
Denny Hamlin Leads the Pack
Denny Hamlin enters 2026 with the shortest odds at +375. At 45 years old, Hamlin is keenly aware that his chances to secure a career-defining championship are becoming limited. After a heartbreaker in 2025—when a caution at Phoenix Raceway may have cost him the title—he remains one of the most skilled drivers, having claimed six wins last season, more than anyone else in the field. Hamlin aims to finally join the sport’s all-time greats by capturing the elusive Cup.
Kyle Larson Seeks Consecutive Triumphs
Kyle Larson is close behind at +425 and returns as the reigning champion and a two-time NASCAR Cup Series titleholder. Larson has become known as a weekly threat across the schedule. With his form only getting stronger, many expect Larson to contend for back-to-back titles, especially under the returning Chase playoff structure.
William Byron’s Ongoing Rise
William Byron comes in at +575, having firmly established himself as one of NASCAR’s top competitors. No longer just a rising star, Byron boasts consecutive Daytona 500 victories and three straight Championship 4 appearances. He was the regular-season champion in 2025, and if he replicates that consistency, the 28-year-old could leverage a points advantage deep into the Chase rounds. The new format seems well suited to Byron’s skills and strategic approach.
Christopher Bell and Ryan Blaney Hold Strong Odds
Christopher Bell, at +625, has become synonymous with consistency, finishing in the top five in the points for the last four years. While Bell demonstrated the ability to go on hot streaks—including a trio of wins early in 2025—sustained performance will be critical as he and his No. 20 team continue to minimize DNFs in the pressure-cooker Chase.
Ryan Blaney also stands at +625, and 2026 could be a defining year for him. Now a new father after welcoming his daughter Charley Bennett Blaney in November, Blaney is motivated to secure a second championship, having first claimed the title in 2023. After missing the Championship 4 last year, he returns with renewed drive.
Chase Elliott and Other Notable Contenders
Chase Elliott holds odds of +1000 and stands to benefit significantly from the Chase’s revival—a fitting twist for a driver whose last name mirrors the format. As the 2020 champion, Elliott opened last year with 23 consecutive top-20 finishes. His ability to rack up strong results consistently places him firmly in the championship conversation, even if he sits just outside the top five in pre-season odds.
Fresh Faces and Veteran Experience Rounding Out the Top 10
Chase Briscoe, at +1000, is coming off a breakout season in which he replaced Martin Truex Jr. in the No. 19 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. Picking up three wins and leading 884 laps, Briscoe proved to be a strong fit at JGR and is eager to build on that success, proving last year was no fluke.
Joey Logano, available at +1800, brings a wealth of experience and success under the Chase system, having secured three championships including two in the past four seasons. Logano has made it clear that he’s focused solely on winning championships, regardless of the format change.
Tyler Reddick shares +1800 odds and faces a pivotal year. After breaking out in 2023 and coming close to the championship in 2024, Reddick and his No. 45 team look to rebound following a solid but winless 2025 season. Entering a contract year, Reddick is seen as a potential comeback candidate.
Connor Zilisch, at +2000, is a surprise inclusion in the top 10. Just 19 years old, Zilisch moves up to a full-time Cup schedule after dominating the O’Reilly Auto Parts Series with 10 wins in 2025. He’s expected to excel at road courses, and if he develops on ovals, the Trackhouse Racing rookie could shake up the field.
Comprehensive 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship Odds
Beyond the top favorites, the odds chart reveals a deep bench of challengers, each with their own stories and strengths. Here’s the full list of BetMGM’s odds for the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series Championship:
1. Denny Hamlin (+375)
2. Kyle Larson (+425)
3. William Byron (+575)
4. Christopher Bell (+625)
5. Ryan Blaney (+625)
6. Chase Elliott (+1000)
7. Chase Briscoe (+1000)
8. Joey Logano (+1800)
9. Tyler Reddick (+1800)
10. Connor Zilisch (+2000)
11. Ross Chastain (+2500)
12. Bubba Wallace (+3500)
13. Carson Hocevar (+4000)
14. Ty Gibbs (+4000)
15. Chris Buescher (+4000)
16. Alex Bowman (+4000)
17. Josh Berry (+5000)
18. Brad Keselowski (+6000)
19. Kyle Busch (+6000)
20. Austin Cindric (+8000)
21. Ryan Preece (+8000)
22. Shane van Gisbergen (+12500)
23. Austin Dillon (+20000)
24. Erik Jones (+20000)
25. Daniel Suárez (+25000)
26. John Hunter Nemechek (+25000)
27. Noah Gragson (+50000)
28. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (+50000)
29. AJ Allmendinger (+50000)
30. Cole Custer (+50000)
31. Michael McDowell (+50000)
32. Todd Gilliland (+50000)
33. Ty Dillon (+50000)
34. Zane Smith (+50000)
35. Riley Herbst (+50000)
36. Cody Ware (+50000)
Understanding the New Path to the Championship
This season’s return to The Chase means the battle for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship will hinge not just on winning big races, but on maintaining a high level of performance through both the regular season and the ten decisive playoff races. Teams and drivers will need to strategize for consistent results and avoid costly DNFs, making every point and every finish crucial in pursuit of the championship.
The Road Ahead: What to Watch for in 2026
With the Daytona 500 imminent and the new playoff structure influencing every calculation, the 2026 NASCAR Cup Series is set to be one of the most competitive and unpredictable in recent history. Superstar drivers like Denny Hamlin, Kyle Larson, William Byron, Christopher Bell, Ryan Blaney, and the next wave of talent led by Connor Zilisch and Chase Briscoe, are all determined to etch their names in NASCAR lore. As the season unfolds, the NASCAR Cup Series Championship odds will fluctuate, keeping fans and analysts captivated right up to the title showdown at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
The focus keyword, NASCAR Cup Series Championship odds, will remain central to discussions throughout the year as fans watch their favorites rise and fall with each passing race. All betting information presented is for entertainment purposes only, and this coverage is designed to fuel conversation, excitement, and friendly debate as America’s most popular motorsport embarks on its 2026 journey.
