The engines are roaring and the stakes couldn’t be higher! The 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs kick off with the Southern 500 this weekend. Sixteen drivers, one dream – but who will survive the Round of 16 and move closer to the Bill France Cup?

The exhilarating 2025 NASCAR Cup Series playoffs are set to ignite with the iconic 76th running of the Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway this Sunday. Sixteen elite drivers will embark on a rigorous postseason journey, all vying for the ultimate prize: hoisting the coveted Bill France Cup at Phoenix Raceway in November. This highly anticipated start marks the beginning of a relentless 10-race battle that will culminate in a single champion.

This initial phase, known as the Round of 16, comprises three intense races designed to test every competitor’s mettle. Following the dramatic Bristol Night Race on September 13th, the field will be mercilessly whittled down, with four drivers facing early elimination from championship contention. Teams are meticulously preparing for the grueling 500-mile war of attrition at Darlington, a race known for its unforgiving nature and rich history.

Among the top contenders, Kyle Larson stands out as a formidable force, widely considered a near-lock for the Round of 12. With a Southern 500 victory in 2023 and the defending title at the Bristol Night Race, the 2021 Cup Series champion possesses the form and experience to navigate this opening round with confidence. His consistent performance makes him a driver to watch closely as the playoffs unfold.

William Byron, a two-time Daytona 500 champion, also enters the 2025 NASCAR playoffs with high expectations, aiming for a third consecutive Championship 4 berth. Tied with Larson atop the standings, Byron demonstrates remarkable consistency. While the Gateway race presents a potential hurdle in the early stages, his track record suggests he should comfortably advance to the next round, cementing his status as a serious title contender.

The perennial question surrounding Denny Hamlin, “Is this finally his year?”, gains renewed intensity as he enters his 19th playoff appearance. Leading the Cup Series with four victories in 2025, and with Darlington being one of his strongest tracks, the No. 11 team appears poised for a deep run. Hamlin’s experience and recent success position him as a strong candidate to easily progress through the Round of 16.

Defending champion Ryan Blaney, despite previous Round of 16 stumbles in 2020, returns as a significantly more refined driver. He, like Byron, is chasing a third consecutive Championship 4 appearance. Team Penske will undoubtedly look to Blaney to spearhead their championship aspirations throughout the NASCAR playoffs, relying on his championship pedigree and improved form.

Drivers like Tyler Reddick and Chase Briscoe, while starting below the cut line, possess the talent to make a significant impact. Reddick, despite not having a win this season, has strong potential at Darlington to turn his fortunes around and outperform several competitors. Briscoe, having seamlessly assimilated into Joe Gibbs Racing with a Pocono victory and ten top-five finishes, is well-equipped to advance.

Alex Bowman, the lowest seed in the playoffs, benefits immensely from the Hendrick Motorsports equipment underneath him. His consistent performance throughout the Cup Series season makes him a strong candidate to reach the Round of 12, barring unforeseen circumstances. Bubba Wallace, making only his second playoff appearance, is a dark horse to watch. Hot off a Brickyard 400 win and strong finishes at Iowa and Watkins Glen, the No. 23 team has built momentum, hinting at a potentially deep playoff run for this NASCAR driver.

Conversely, some drivers face an uphill battle. Austin Dillon’s chances of advancing appear slim, given his team’s quiet season, while Shane van Gisbergen confronts the challenge of unfamiliar tracks like Gateway and his self-admitted struggles at Bristol. Josh Berry, despite an early season win, has seen his team regress, needing to rediscover his earlier speed to extend his playoff journey in the competitive Cup Series.