Tyler Reddick sped past a battling Denny Hamlin and Erik Jones to win his way into the next round of the playoffs on Sunday. Several playoff drivers saw their chances of progression slimmed down after tire and on-track problems, including Martin Truex Jr., Bubba Wallace, Ricky Stenhouse Jr., and Michael McDowell, who all sit below the cut-off line.
This is an elimination race, and NASCAR chose to have it in Bristol where the worst possible scenarios come true for four playoff drivers. I hate picking any fantasy at this track in these circumstances, but I think I did my best when it comes to experience and past performance. But keep in mind: Starting position, pit selection, and crew matters almost as much as the driver talents in this one. Take a deep breath, throw a dart at the board, and browse my expert NASCAR fantasy advice to get on top of your fantasy team this weekend.
Here are my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the first 2023 NASCAR Cup Series playoff elimination race: The Bass Pro Shops Night Race at Bristol Motor Speedway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kyle Larson
Don’t ever lay back on Kyle Larson, because he’ll show you a thing or two. This guy thrives on short tracks and tight situations. If he can’t do it, well, who can? Only ONE double-digit finish in Bristol since 2016 shows me that the 5 is a hot NASCAR fantasy pick for Saturday Night Lights.
Wins in Bristol: 1
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 9
Chase Elliott
He doesn’t have to prove to us that he’s a great driver—we already know that. But Chase Elliott doesn’t want to stand down and let the season pass him by. Outside of his teammate Kyle Larson, the number 9 has fantastic odds to get his first win of the season.
Wins in Bristol: 0
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 6
Kevin Harvick
He’s just above the cutoff line, and not comfortably, either. If he wants to keep going, he needs stage points in all three. I think that Kevin Harvick will finish well enough to advance to the next round if he can hold off the 19 and the 23.
Wins in Bristol: 3
Top 5s: 14
Top 10s: 22
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Bubba Wallace
I know. Maybe it’s just the fighter in me who roots for the underdog time after time. I know that the odds here are fantastically against him, but I also know that this driver wants to advance more than anything. Everyone has a chance in Bristol. So, long shot as he may be, Darryl “Bubba” Wallace Jr. is my boldest-ever NASCAR fantasy pick for this weekend.
Wins in Bristol: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 1
Chris Beusher
Chris Beuscher won this race last time around, and he’s solid on the short track. I say he wins on Saturday night so he can keep going toward the final four with this super-hot car.
Wins in Bristol: 1
Top 5s: 2
Top 10s: 3
Martin Truex Jr.
Martin Truex Jr.’s stats here are flat-out lousy, but there’s no way the regular-season champ goes down without a fight. Take the long shot and pick the driver of the number 19 this week at Bristol because he’s going to run hard and fast from dusk to dark to advance.
Wins in Bristol: 0
Top 5s: 2
Top 10s: 4
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Tyler Reddick
It’s not that he’s bad here, it’s just that he has already made it to the next round. Meanwhile, his boss would like to gain more points to make it to the round of four, and his teammate is scratching for survival. Tyler Reddick is gonna kick back and watch it all unfold from his solid, yet cushy, seat on Saturday night.
Wins in Bristol: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 1
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
I hate picking bonkers drivers during the playoffs because anything can happen, and everything probably will. Of all tracks for Ricky Stenhouse Jr. to have to hang his hat on, though, this is probably the worst one. But, he could do better if more playoff drivers get wrecked early and he hangs on. Barring a strange twist of fate, I think this is the end of the line for the #47. I think.
Wins in Bristol: 0
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 6
Harrison Burton
I guess. Once again, the playoffs add a new element of disaster to fantasy. Something always happens to Harrison Burton, though, so I think it’s safe to hold off on him this weekend. Maybe.
Wins in Bristol: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
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