The Action Network: NASCAR odds, picks and predictions for Darlington

Darlington Raceway is one of my favorite tracks on the NASCAR Cup Series schedule. It's an old-school track that puts performance back on the drivers due to the importance of managing equipment, saving tires and staying out of the wall while running the higher line late in runs. As a bettor, I enjoy races with high tire wear as well because finding speed, especially on long runs, is a driver skill we can identify. Live NASCAR odds at FanDuel list Kyle Larson (+470) as today's favorite, followed by Denny Hamlin (+500), Ryan Blaney (+600), William Byron (+650) and Tyler Reddick (+750). Piggybacking on this idea, I've pinpointed a NASCAR pick I'm pouncing on right now for Sunday's Cook Out Southern 500 (6 p.m. ET, USA Network, HBO Max, MRN Radio, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, NBC Sports App) at Darlington. MORE: Full Southern 500 Fantasy Live preview | Starting lineup in photos

NASCAR Odds, Pick for Darlington

*Odds as of Sunday morning William Byron has been the best driver at Darlington in the Next Gen era, which dates back to the 2022 season. Yes, I love Denny Hamlin here, and since he won the pole, I understand Hamlin being the race favorite. However, Byron has put up the best numbers over the past seven races at Darlington and is a very bettable value at +750. Since 2022, Byron has posted the best driver rating, has led the second-most laps and has run the most fast laps at Darlington, yet there are three drivers with better NASCAR odds to win today's Southern 500. At +750 (ESPN BET), I'll gladly grab Byron to win today's race and still have plenty of bankroll left over to complement the Hendrick Motorsports driver on my betting card. NASCAR Pick: William Byron (+750) to Win -- ESPN BET