NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500: Ryan Blaney Draws Top Odds, Predictions & Best Bets At Talladega Superspeedway

In an alternate NASCAR Cup Series universe, Ryan Blaney would possess two wins entering this weekend’s events at Talladega Superspeedway instead of still seeking a postseason invitation. 

At Homestead-Miami Speedway on March 23, Blaney led 124 of 161 laps before engine problems derailed his chance at entering Victory Lane. At Darlington Raceway, Blaney appeared to possess the dominant car and led entering overtime, but pit problems led to a P5. 

Despite his lack of recent on-track luck, Blaney (+1000) drew the top sports-betting odds to capture Sunday’s Jack Link’s 500 at the 2.66-mile asphalt oval, according to BetOnline Sportsbook. 

The 2023 circuit titleholder ranks sixth in the drivers’ standings with 275 points, 71 behind pace-setter William Byron. 

With a win among three top-five finishes at ‘Dega since 2022, Blaney’s recent history likely helped him earn favorite status. 

Which makes the selection of Team Penske teammate Joey Logano (+1100) as the driver with the second-best odds to win Sunday a bit curious. The reigning series champion has led a combined 260 laps, but has yet to record a top-five finish in nine outings.  

His struggles at Talladega have swelled. Over the past three seasons, he ranks 46th in driver average finishes (27.5).  

Blaney. Ryan @Blaney.

The @Team_Penske driver went back-to-back at @Talladega winning by .007 seconds. 😮 pic.twitter.com/sjEqbDiPjD

— NASCAR on NBC (@NASCARonNBC) April 20, 2023

Jack Link’s 500 Storylines

• Kyle Larson dominated the Bristol weekend, leading 411 of 500 laps last Sunday to secure his second Cup Series win this season. His triple play came up short, though. He won Saturday’s Xfinity Series race and finished runner-up during the Craftsman Truck Series event.
• With his teammate (Larson) toying with the Bristol field, Alex Bowman wasn’t having much fun. After starting on the pole and leading for 39 laps, the Hendrick Motorsports driver endured engine issues, resulting in a P37. Over his past three outings, Bowman has finished 27th or worse.
• When will Shane van Gisbergen break his rookie blues? After winning his series debut on the streets of Chicago in 2023, the road-course ace placed 38th at Bristol, his fifth finish of 30th or worse in his his past six starts.

Where it all began for @shanevg97 🏆🇳🇿

From his New Zealand roots to a historic #NASCARChicago win in 2023, @TeamTrackhouse driver Shane van Gisbergen is always one to watch on street courses.

🎟️ JULY 5-6: https://t.co/HbQVpKCsRE pic.twitter.com/Tz21qUHqh9

— NASCAR Chicago Street Race (@NASCARChicago) April 16, 2025

Jack Link’s 500 Driver Odds  

Here is an early look at the drivers’ odds for the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway, according to BetOnline Sportsbook: 

*-Odds current at time of publication

Jack Link’s 500 Predictions and Picks  

Here are our best NASCAR Cup Series bets for the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega Superspeedway:

Ryan Blaney (+1000) 

En route to claiming the 2023 circuit title, Blaney captured the playoff race at Talladega by a nose. Winless thus far this season, Blaney ed consecutive fifth-place finishes. He could be the sports-betting favorite for a reason.

Kyle Busch (+1200) 

With just one top-five finish in nine starts this season, Busch remains poised to rebound at Talladega, an event he won in 2023. Can Busch, who drew the second-best pre-race odds, break his 65-race winless skid?

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (+2800) 

A non-playoff pilot, Stenhouse Jr. earned a win last fall at Talladega, edging Brad Keselowski by 0.006 seconds. Over his past six starts at the superspeedway, Stenhouse collected two top-five finishes. Is it time for him to turn around his season?

IT'S TALLADEGA WEEK! 🗣️🗣️🗣️ pic.twitter.com/194lLNTB78

— NASCAR (@NASCAR) April 21, 2025