What the NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings look like after Talladega

Chase Briscoe became the second driver to clinch a spot in the Championship 4 on Sunday with his win at Talladega. Following the YellaWood 500, here's what the NASCAR Cup Series playoff standings look like. 

1. Chase Briscoe (Win) 

Briscoe can have a stress-free weekend at Martinsville with a Championship 4 berth sewn up. The No. 19 team will also have an extra week to prepare for Phoenix. 

2. Denny Hamlin (Win) 

Hamlin finished 24th on Sunday after having mechanical issues, but that result doesn't matter at all for the 44-year-old driver. 

3. Christopher Bell (+37) 

Bell was the highest-finishing playoff driver behind Briscoe and has a comfortable points gap to work with at Martinsville. He'll be battling Kyle Larson in case there's a winner from below the cut line. 

4. Kyle Larson (+36) 

Larson has a large points cushion, but a winner from below the cut line at Martinsville could knock him out of the Championship 4. 

5. William Byron (-36) 

Byron is in a must-win situation after spinning on the final lap at Talladega and finishing 25th. 

6. Joey Logano (-38) 

Logano finished 16th on Sunday after fuel mileage did not work out in his favor. He will also need a win next week at Martinsville. 

7. Ryan Blaney (-47) 

Fuel mileage misfortune also befell Blaney, who finished 23rd at Talladega. 

8. Chase Elliott (-62) 

An early crash doomed Elliott's day at Talladega, also putting him in a must-win situation next week.