The playoffs begin this weekend. It’s a new season and a new chance to secure a spot into the next round. It’s also a great chance for the winless drivers outside the bubble to thrive under a lack of playoff pressure.
Who will make the best moves under the lights at throwback weekend at Darlington Raceway?
Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice guiding you to the Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers drivers for the Cookout Southern 500 on Sunday night under the lights at Darlington Raceway:
Brilliant – These NASCAR drivers have the best shot at winning in in Darlington
Denny Hamlin
It’s been a bit since Hamlin won a race—three weeks, to be exact—but he has great numbers at Darlington. After all, he took home the trophy last time around when the season finally opened up again. He’s consistent and comfortable at this track, and he’d love to lock himself into the next round with a Sunday night win.
Wins at Darlington: 3
Top 5 finishes: 9
Top 10 finishes: 13
Martin Truex Jr.
King of the intermediate tracks, Truex has been a bridesmaid to the 4 and the 11 one-too-many times this season. The No.19 hasn’t finished outside the top-five in eight races. This week, he has a great shot to finish as the number-one.
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 8
Chase Elliott
The No. 9 has the pole this weekend, and I think there’s something to be said about the way he races at night. He won the night race in Charlotte in May, the All-Star race in July, and finished second last week. This week, I expect to see the fans cheering for his win at the end of this first of many night races to come.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 2
Top 10 finishes: 3
Bold – These are my NASCAR sleeper picks
Erik Jones
The heat is on, but the pressure is off. After not making the playoffs for the first time since he moved to the Cup Series, Jones is still looking for his first win of the season. Without a secure ride for next year, this is the time to get one.
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top 5 finishes: 3
Top 10 finishes: 5
Tyler Reddick
This isn’t the first time Reddick has been on my bold list, and I expect to park him here next year more than once. Reddick has been here twice in the Cup Series, and he finished 13th and 7th. This time around, don’t be shocked to see him near the front, if not at the front, when the checkered flag flies.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Jimmie Johnson
Jimmie. Jimmie! The seven-time champ finds himself on the outside looking in as the playoffs start. He was only six points shy of a run, but it just wasn’t meant to be. I predict, however, that the lack of playoff pressure will bring new life to this 48 team. With nothing to lose, he might just get a win.
Wins at Darlington: 3
Top 5 finishes: 9
Top 10 finishes: 13
Bonkers – Stay away from these NASCAR drivers in your fantasy lineup this week
Clint Bowyer
Clint has been here many times, but there’s something about Darlington that just doesn’t agree with the No. 14. Last time around he finished 17th and 22nd. Sit him out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this weekend.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 2
Austin Dillon
Dillon’s season has been up and down, but it’s going to stay down at Darlington. He finished in fourth place here in 2017, but everything else has been outside the top-10. Give him a pass when picking winners for Darlington.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 1
Top 10 finishes: 2
Aric Almirola
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top 5 finishes: 0
Top 10 finishes: 1
Almirola grabbed his only top-10 finish at Darlington on the last visit, but his numbers here have been less-than-stellar otherwise. It’s safe to say that there are too many other (better) drivers in the mix this weekend who will keep him from obtaining a win.
