After a postponement of the Sunday race, NASCAR finally got the Cup Series going on Monday afternoon. This makes three weeks in a row that rain has affected the outcome of a race. I am proud to say that all six of my Brilliant and Bold picks from last week finished in the top eight in New Hampshire, including the winner, last week’s Bold Pick Martin Truex Jr.
This was Martin’s first win in New Hampshire, and it booted him into a favorite position for Championship contention when the playoffs begin in September. There are only six more races until the playoffs begin, and that’s only six chances for drivers like Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, and Daniel Suarez to get in. It’s also six chances for Bubba Wallace, Michael McDowell, and Chris Beuscher to hang on tight to those spots just above the cutoff line.
This week we’re off to the Tricky Triangle, a 2.5-mile track that offers long runs and plenty of space to branch out and smoke the competition. If you’re looking for some expert advice, consider these Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the HighPoint.com 400 at Pocono Raceway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin seems to be missing something. Something that keeps him from winning a race. I don’t know what it is, but I have a feeling he’s going to find it this weekend. The number 11 is amazing at this track, and I think he’s a shoo-in for the win when NASCAR rolls into Eastern Pennsylvania on Sunday. But, even if he doesn’t win, he’ll finish in the top to give you some good fantasy points.
Wins in Pocono: 6
Top 5s: 14
Top 10s: 21
Kevin Harvick
Since 2014, Kevin Harvick has only finished outside the top 9 three times here. Considering that NASCAR races Pocono twice a season, you’ll be hard-pressed to find another NASCAR driver with a chance like this to boost your fantasy lineup this weekend. If it’s not the 11, it’s gonna be the 4.
Wins in Pocono: 1
Top 5s: 15
Top 10s: 22
Kyle Larson
It’s been a while since Kyle Larson has hung out in my expert NASCAR fantasy picks, but I think this is a good weekend to give him some attention. He still needs a win here, but this is a nice long race, with a nice long run, and it’s just what the number 5 needs right about now to give himself some extra points as we get closer to the playoffs.
Wins in Pocono: 0
Top 5s: 5
Top 10s: 9
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Brad Keselowski
He’s heating up, and Pocono Raceway is a great place for Brad Keselowski to get his first win of the 2023 season. If not a win, then he’ll at least continue to rack up his points for a solid playoff run.
Wins in Pocono: 1
Top 5s: 11
Top 10s: 15
Kyle Busch
The only thing that keeps me from putting Kyle Busch up top in the Brilliant category is the fact that he has 6 DNFs here. But, baby, look at those other numbers! Sweet Lordy be Gordy, you’d have to be a fool to leave the number 8 car out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week.
Wins in Pocono: 4
Top 5s: 11
Top 10s: 18
Alex Bowman
Last week he was Bonkers, this week he’s Bold. Alex Bowman knows that the clock is ticking, and Pocono might be the place where he winds it up. The stats here are pretty good, overall, and I think that the 48 is ready to get serious on the Tricky Triangle.
Wins in Pocono: 1
Top 5s: 2
Top 10s: 4
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Joey Logano
It’s pretty bold of me to put a good driver like this on the Bonkers list, I know. But I just don’t think that he’s going to have a great run this week, especially if you look at his past. Hold off on the 22 until next week.
Wins in Pocono: 1
Top 5s: 4
Top 10s: 10
Austin Dillon
Considering that he’s been here 17 times and only cracked the top 10 once, I think it’s fair to leave Austin Dillon out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week.
Wins in Pocono: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 1
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Wow, I feel bad that I have Ricky Stenhouse Jr. down here again, but it’s just not his type of track. Maybe because it’s so long that he gets bored. Maybe. Anyway, seeing how he’s never been in the top 10 in 19 races at Pocono, it might be best to skip over the number 47 this week.
Wins in Pocono: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Michael Badgley released by Lions
Denzel Mims traded to Detroit Wednesday
