If you watched the Daytona 500 last Sunday, you know that Ryan Newman was this close to his first win in since March of 2017. You also know that he never finished the race and was transported to a local hospital after one of the scariest crashes in recent history. Miraculously, Newman’s injuries were not life-threatening, though we still don’t know just how badly he was hurt. As it stands, Newman will be replaced by Ross Chastain in the No. 6 car this weekend.
There is no definitive date for Newman’s return, but we all wish him the best as he continues to recover and heal.
Having said that, our 5th Down Fantasy NASCAR season is off to a great start! Brilliant pick Denny Hamlin finished in first place last week, taking home the coveted trophy at the Daytona 500.
Ready for this week’s NASCAR expert picks?
Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice guiding you to the Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers drivers for this week’s race: The Penzoil 400
Brilliant picks
These NASCAR drivers have the best shot at winning at the Penzoil 400
Brad Keselowski
Wins at Las Vegas: 3
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 9
Since 2013, Brad Keselowski has finished in the top 10 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway. No matter where he starts the race, he finds his way to the front when it really counts. His run at Daytona ended early, but he finished the Busch Clash in 2nd place, showing that he hasn’t lost his mojo in the off-season. Look for Brad to wave the American flag, his traditional choice, at the end of the Penzoil 400 on Sunday.
Martin Truex Jr.
Wins at Las Vegas: 2
Top 5 finishes: 5
Top 10 finishes: 9
Martin Truex Jr. came in first place at Las Vegas last September, and he’s been consistent here in the early-season races for several years. His unfortunate finish at Daytona was no surprise, as that’s one of his worst tracks, but don’t expect a repeat this week. Truex is King of the intermediate tracks, and I wager a bet that luck will shine down on this No. 19 team on Sunday.
Joey Logano
Wins at Las Vegas: 1
Top 5 finishes: 5
Top 10 finishes: 9
Joey Logano has practically owned this track since 2014, and he’s going to own it again on Sunday. Logano was a contender for the win at the Daytona 500 until he got caught up in one of the many nasty wrecks that the 500 is so famous for. Logano is going to race hard to make up for lost time, and my prediction is snake eyes: A win for the No. 22 Pennzoil team at its namesake, the Penzoil 400.
Bold picks
These are my NASCAR sleeper picks
Kyle Larson
Wins at Las Vegas: 0
Top 5 finishes: 3
Top 10 finishes: 5
Kyle Larson is my favorite sleeper pick for the NASCAR race this week in Las Vegas. He hasn’t won here yet, but he’s come close, so that could change on Sunday. Larson had a somewhat disappointing 2019 season, though he showed improvement as the Race for the Chase came to a close. I expect him to have a lively performance this weekend.
Kyle Busch
Wins at Las Vegas: 1
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 9
Sure it’s strange to see Kyle Busch as a sleeper pick in a NASCAR race, but he hasn’t won here since 2009. However, we all know that the No. 18 is no slouch – luck seems to be on his side wherever he goes (except Daytona). It’s a crap-shoot, but odds are good that Kyle takes home the trophy after he burns it down in Vegas this weekend.
Kevin Harvick
Wins at Las Vegas: 2
Top 5 finishes: 7
Top 10 finishes: 10
Happy Harvick made it through the carnage in Daytona last Sunday to eeek out a 5th place finish! The No. 4 team is chomping at the bit to get the west coast swing started as Harvick has a strong record at these tracks. I expect him to start it in grand fashion with a steady finish in Vegas on Sunday.
Bonkers picks
Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup this week
Erik Jones
Wins at Las Vegas: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Erik Jones has never been hot in Sin City no matter what the temperature has been on the track. Despite his win at the Busch Clash, Jones is about to embark on a few rough weeks as NASCAR hits the west coast. My NASCAR fantasy advice? Give him a pass for the Penzoil 400.
Kurt Busch
Wins at Las Vegas: 0
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 5
Kurt Busch has a poor record at this track, though he could certainly surprise everyone thanks to his superior driving skills. Having said that, I don’t expect to see the No. 1 in victory lane this weekend. Shuffle Kurt to the back of your NASCAR fantasy lineup for Sunday.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Wins at Daytona: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Stenhouse was a great pick for the NASCAR race at Daytona last week thanks to his impeccable skills at superspeedways. But at Las Vegas? Not so much. It’s best to let it ride and leave him out of your lineup at the Penzoil 400.
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