NASCAR Cup Series 2024 Playoff Predictions: Who's poised to make a run?

Modified Sep 06, 2024 19:32 GMT

(L-R) Ryan Blaney, Kyle Larson and Chase Elliott (Images from Getty)

The 2024 NASCAR season enters its homestretch with the 10-week playoff calendar kicking off this weekend at Atlanta Motor Speedway. The 16-driver playoff grid will be gradually narrowed down to just four contenders, vying for ultimate glory at Phoenix Raceway on November 10.

Kyle Larson enters the playoffs as the #1 seed, backed by four regular-season victories, followed by Christopher Bell and Tyler Reddick as the top three-seeded drivers. On the other end of the spectrum, Joe Gibbs Racing drivers Ty Gibbs and Martin Truex Jr. are the only two drivers to secure their playoff spots through points.

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The rejigged playoff schedule is set to create plenty of drama, featuring two superspeedway and two road course races that could upset the favorites. Navigating through the first two rounds will be crucial for legitimate championship contenders, as the Round of 8 includes more predictable venues,

Let us take a peek into how the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs might play out, and who will be crowned as the champion at season's end.

Predictions for the 2024 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs

Round of 16 - Atlanta, Watkins Glen, Bristol

The playoffs begin with Ford drivers dominating Atlanta and one Team Penske driver advancing to the next round with a victory. The second race at Watkins Glen will see a Hendrick Motorsports driver in the victory lane, most likely William Byron or Chase Elliott. Denny Hamlin will replicate his winning performance at the cut-off race in Bristol.

Alex Bowman, Harrison Burton, and Austin Cindric's championship bid will end in the first round along with Chase Briscoe who won't advance to the next round in SHR's final NASCAR campaign.

Eliminations: Alex Bowman, Austin Cindric, Harrison Burton, Chase Briscoe

Round of 12 - Kansas, Talladega, Roval

This round has the highest potential to upset title favorites. Kyle Larson and Denny Hamlin will battle for victory in Kansas, while Brad Keselowski or Ryan Blaney will return to victory lane in Talladega. The cut-off race at Charlotte Roval will be chaotic, with Ty Gibbs in contention for his first Cup Series race win.

Martin Truex Jr. will bow out of the playoffs, along with Daniel Suarez and Joey Logano. Chase Elliott will be knocked out in this round, the biggest upset of the playoff season.

Eliminations: Martin Truex Jr., Daniel Suarez, Joey Logano, Chase Elliott

Round of 8 - Las Vegas, Homestead, Martinsville

The penultimate round will see championship contenders battle fiercely for victory at Las Vegas and Homestead. Tyler Reddick or Christopher Bell will win in Las Vegas, while Kyle Larson is the outright favorite to win at Homestead. The cut-off race at Martinsville will be a nail-biter with Denny Hamlin finally managing to advance to the season finale.

Brad Keselowski and Ty Gibbs will be ousted in this round along with William Byron and reigning NASCAR champion Ryan Blaney who won't make it to the season finale, the second big upset in the postseason.

Eliminations: Brad Keselowski, Ty Gibbs, Ryan Blaney, William Byron

Season finale - Phoenix

Kyle Larson at Phoenix Raceway (Source: Getty)

The highly anticipated season finale at Phoenix Raceway will feature Championship 4 contenders - Tyler Reddick, Kyle Larson, Denny Hamlin, and Christopher Bell. The Toyota drivers have the best chances of winning at the short track, with Bell having the best odds.

However, Larson will trump his Toyota rivals, winning his second NASCAR Cup Series championship.

Winner: Kyle Larson

Edited by Prathik BR