Denny Hamlin’s postseason collapse is not the ‘choke’ you’re supposed to think it is

Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap to stronger competitors.

By Asher Fair · Beyond the Flag

Published: Tuesday, 3 November 2026 at 12:00 PM

Key Things to Know

Asher Fair argues Denny Hamlin's playoff deficit is due to Kyle Larson's dominance, not a choke.
Hamlin trails Larson by 70 points heading into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.
Hamlin has actually expanded his full-season points lead over second-place Ryan Blaney during the postseason.

The Story in 60 Seconds

Beyond the Flag's Asher Fair argues that Denny Hamlin's postseason deficit is not a choke, but rather the result of Kyle Larson's exceptional playoff run. Hamlin entered the Chase postseason as the regular season champion and favorite, but now trails Larson by 70 points heading into the season finale at Homestead-Miami Speedway.

Fair highlights that Hamlin has actually expanded his lead in overall full-season points over drivers like Ryan Blaney throughout the playoffs. The author emphasizes that Larson's dominance and the postseason points reset are the true deciding factors in the championship outcome.

Read the full article on Beyond the Flag

Denny Hamlin’s postseason collapse is not the ‘choke’ you’re supposed to think it is

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