The NASCAR Cup Series enters the final month of the 2026 season with the Freeway Insurance 500 on Oct. 18 at Phoenix Raceway.

The former site of the Cup Series championship race is now in the second half of the Chase, with Talladega, Martinsville and Homestead upcoming.

Kyle Larson holds a 49-point lead in the Cup Series Chase standings.

A trio of Joe Gibbs Racing drivers are right behind Larson, including Denny Hamlin (-49), Christopher Bell (-51) and Chase Briscoe (-65).

Here are The Tennessean's expert picks for Sunday's NASCAR Cup Series race at Phoenix:

NASCAR predictions for Phoenix Cup Series race: Here's who wins the Freeway Insurance 500

Mike Organ's pick: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney has to be happy to see Phoenix coming up as he clings to hope of remaining in the championship mix. He won there in the spring and in the 2025 finale. Two of his last four wins came at Phoenix.

Nick Gray's pick: Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Team Penske Ford

Ryan Blaney is a must-pick at Phoenix akin to SVG at a road course. He's been that good at the 1-mile track. Can his team execute across 300+ laps and get Blaney back in the championship battle?

Tom Kreager's pick: Kyle Larson, No. 5 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet

Kyle Larson and Chase Briscoe have been the hottest drivers in the Chase. It's time for Larson to take the spotlight off of Briscoe and get back in victory lane.