“I’m feeling like Briscoe might be pretty dangerous.” That was Dale Earnhardt Jr. on his podcast, and after watching Chase Briscoe’s surge with Joe Gibbs Racing in 2025, it’s hard to argue. Briscoe’s move to JGR has been a game-changer. With a win at Pocono Raceway and a series-leading five poles already in the bag, his knack for speed and clutch performances has fans buzzing about a deep playoff run, maybe even a Championship 4 spot.

Briscoe’s Pocono victory on June 22 was a statement. Holding off teammate Denny Hamlin in a nail-biting finish, he clinched his first JGR win and a playoff berth. It wasn’t just a trophy; it showed Briscoe could hang with the big dogs under pressure. That kind of grit is what you need when the postseason heats up, and it’s why Dale Jr. has got his eye on him.

The stats back up the hype. In 22 starts, Briscoe has racked up eight top fives, 10 top-10s, and an average finish of 14.2. He’s sitting eighth in the standings with 226 laps led. That’s a solid mix of consistency and speed, keeping him in the title conversation. His qualifying game is on another level. Five poles, including a blistering 183.165 mph lap at Indianapolis to edge Bubba Wallace by 0.013 seconds, and a third straight pole at Michigan at 195.514 mph, a feat not seen since 2023. Starting up front gives him clean air and a shot to control races early.

Briscoe’s momentum is peaking at the right time. With crew chief Chad Johnston dialing in setups and JGR’s data machine behind him, he’s got the tools to make a serious run. Seven poles by season’s end feels doable, and another win isn’t out of the question. Playoff success often hinges on who’s hot when it counts, and Briscoe is on fire. But the Next Gen car’s unpredictability and track-position risks could trip him up. JGR has to stay sharp to keep him in the hunt.

The road to the Championship 4 is brutal, with heavyweights like Hamlin and Christopher Bell in his own camp. Still, Briscoe has shown he can steal the spotlight, and Dale Jr.’s nod only amps up the buzz. If he keeps nailing poles and converts speed into points, a Final 4 spot isn’t just possible. It’s a real threat. Fans are split on whether he’ll seal the deal or fall short, but one thing’s clear: Briscoe has got everyone’s attention.

Reddit is blowing up with takes on Briscoe’s playoff chances, from diehard believers to skeptics who’ve seen JGR stumble before. With Dale Jr.’s blessing fueling the fire, the debate is as hot as a summer race at Indy.

Reddit buzzes over Briscoe’s playoff hopes

Reddit is lit up with fans weighing in on Chase Briscoe’s playoff potential, and the takes are all over the map. One user summed up the vibe, saying, “My favorite part of this season is when he said ‘It’s Briscoe time’ and Briscoed everywhere.” It’s a fan-made meme that took off after his Pocono win, where he led the final laps and fended off Hamlin. The phrase captures his knack for stealing the show with five poles and race-dominating moments, turning heads as he “Briscoed” the field with front-row starts and clutch finishes.

Another fan noted, “Dale Jr. said this on his podcast last week… he thought Briscoe would go pretty deep in the playoffs.” Spot-on. Dale Jr. called Briscoe a “dangerous overachiever” on The Dale Jr. Download, comparing him to a mid-major basketball team crashing the Final Four. He pointed to Briscoe’s qualifying dominance and late-season surge, suggesting the timing is perfect for a playoff upset, much like lesser-known drivers who’ve stunned the field in past postseasons.

A skeptical voice chimed in: “He’s a great driver, but as a Truex fan that team will find a way to botch it for him.” It’s a fair worry. JGR has had its share of playoff missteps since Martin Truex Jr.’s 2017 title. With a stacked lineup of Hamlin, Bell, and Ty Gibbs, the team’s resources are spread thin. Fans of Truex’s era know how crew or strategy errors can derail a hot driver. No direct Truex quotes bash Briscoe, but the concern about JGR’s execution is real.

One user hedged their bet, saying, “He’s got speed, and he’s won a race, so think a deep playoff run is in the cards. But I’d put my money down on a Round of 8 exit.” It’s a balanced take. Briscoe’s five poles and Pocono win lock him in, but his eight top fives and 10 top-10s show he’s still building consistency. Historical trends suggest single-win drivers need another victory or big points to crack the Final 4. A Round of 8 exit is plausible if he can’t string together more podiums.

Finally, a fan drew a parallel: “He has like 5 poles already and there’s a lot of races to go, another win and 2 more poles is pretty reasonable. Outside of poles think his stats will look a lot like 2015 Carl Edwards…” It’s a strong comparison. Edwards’ 2015 season with JGR saw two wins, four poles, and a near-Final 4 run. Briscoe’s five poles, including a historic Toyota sweep at Indy, and his Crown Jewel dominance mirror that path. If he adds a second win and hits seven poles, he could match Edwards’ deep playoff push, though closing the consistency gap will be key.