The Supercross and Pro Motocross Championships are in the rearview mirror, and riders turn their focus to the 2026 SMX Championship playoffs. Racers report for round 1 duty this Saturday in Columbus, and Hunter Lawrence is tipped for glory. The Aussie headlines our betting insights, but still offers solid value for money in the holeshot category. Beyond the favorite, Ken Roczen returns to action after a quiet summer, while Jett Lawrence is sidelined with injury.
Elevate Your Experience with NXTbets’ Expert Analysis
Ready to maximize your betting experience? NXTbets has you covered with their comprehensive Best Bets: 2026 SMX Playoffs Round 1 Pre-Event Odds Analysis. Packed with insider insights, top contender analysis, and strategic betting advice, NXTbets’ comprehensive odds update is your essential roadmap for navigating the odds and making informed wagers on the SMX Championship Playoffs races.
For another way to win cash on SMX Playoffs, try your hand at making Daily Fantasy picks on Underdog Fantasy and use code ‘SMX’ to claim an exclusive sign-up bonus! Underdog is offering new fans a “Play $5 In Fantasy Entries, Get $50 In Fantasy Bonus Entries!
Where to Place Your Bets
Get in on the high-banked action with ouraffiliated sportsbooks, offering competitive odds and exclusive promotions for SMX fans. If you’re new to betting on Supercross, don’t forget to check out NXTbets SuperMotocross Betting Guide.
Key Takeaways
- Holeshot Hunter: Hunter Lawrence offers value for money in the holeshot contest with 16 across SX and MX this season.
- Profitable Prado: Jorge Prado starts the playoffs after prevailing in the final round of the MX Championship. He offers bettors bang for buck at +700 for the event win.
- Dashing Deegan: Haiden Deegan enters his first 450 playoffs off the back of three Moto #1 holeshots in the last four Motocross rounds.
- Returning Roczen: Ken Roczen sat out the MX Championship after securing the SX Championship in the spring.
- Roughie R.J.: R.J. Hampshire starts his matchups with Garrett Marchbanks as the +189 dog, despite beating his opponent 7 times in 12 events this year.
- Threatening Tomac: Eli Tomac has endured a wave of injuries this season, but he is worth a look for a top-five finish, after registering 12 across both formats in 2026.
- Cheap-as-Chips Cooper: Cooper Webb lines up at +175 for a top-five finish, despite recording a 70.6% success rate in the category across MX and SX this year.
Hunter Lawrence starts the playoffs with a three-point buffer in the SMX Combined Standings, but can he extend his lead against fierce opposition? The Aussie is hoping to continue his family’s dominance after his younger brother clinched the last three editions of the Championship.
To navigate the complexities of this unique event and maximize your betting potential, dive into the comprehensive analysis available at NXTbets. 21+ Please refer to Affiliated Operators’ T&C. Void where prohibited. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
