Through The Gears: Cup Series Championship Best Bets

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It’s finally NASCAR Championship Weekend.  

Through The Gears cashed out big time with Ryan Blaney winning at Martinsville Speedway last week. With that victory, we swept the entire Round of 8 in the NASCAR Playoffs, hitting each outright winner. 

Now, we’re heading to Phoenix Raceway with a Blaney championship future ticket at 28-1. Can the No. 12 car win it all?

The low-value odds are to be expected in this situation. We’ve seen the champion win the season finale every year of this playoff format, save for last year’s triumph from Ross Chastain. 

I believe the champion this year will once again have to win this race based on the strength of the Championship 4. But if you’re not confident in betting an outright winner to also be the champion in this one, you can find some other profitable ways to bet on each aspect of this race. 

Driver odds to win it all:

Ryan Blaney +250

Joey Logano +250

William Byron +270

Tyler Reddick +280

My pick? Blaney.

The driver of the No. 12 may be one of the most clutch racers in NASCAR history with how he won his championship last season. Blaney’s been replicating a very similar path to the crown so far, including the walk-off win last weekend. 

Not only does Blaney have momentum on his side, he’ll also be defending his crown at Phoenix Raceway, arguably his best track.

Peep the stats. pic.twitter.com/MvKgukxmy4

— Team Penske (@Team_Penske) November 6, 2024

The tire compound favors Blaney as well. 

Cup tire this weekend — left-side was used at Phoenix in March, right side is different with a construction update that came out later in the spring. Same tires used at Iowa, New Hampshire, North Wilkesboro (prime tires), and second Richmond.

— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) November 5, 2024

I can also find value in one non-championship driver to win outright. After all the controversy stemming from the end of the penultimate race at Martinsville, Christopher Bell did not advance to fight for the title in Phoenix. 

At this same track in the spring, Bell led 50 laps en route to a victory. If Joe Gibbs Racing can bring the same speed this weekend, Bell could use his extra motivation from Martinsville to play spoiler. 

For more best bets, prop plays and race analysis, tune into Through The Gears wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also watch the show on our YouTube channel below.

Thanks for an awesome season of winners! Now, let’s finish strong and win the championship. Follow me on social media for more NASCAR content during the offseason.