Baby, it’s that time of year again. The start of the 2022 NASCAR season. And with it, the start of my expert fantasy advice each and every week on the best—and not-so-best—drivers in the Cup Series based on track experience and current streaks; because I believe in both. Do I work for NASCAR? Nope. Am I a die-hard, down and dirty, crazy fan and follower of the sport? Well, yes. The simple fact that I just referred to it as a “sport” puts me in a special class reserved for those who watch in awe at the lengths these drivers go through to make it to racing at this level. And I don’t give a jot about the opinion of those who don’t think these drivers are as athletic and talented as those who swing a bat or shoot a puck.
This year I return to my original format of leading in with a bit of weekly news, updates, or (if nothing exciting has occurred) opinions. If you want NASCAR fantasy advice with no frills, feel free to skip right over to the picks; I won’t be offended. But if you like a little bit of entertainment with your fantasy sports, I’ll aim to please.
This season brings old faces, new faces, and team changes galore. I suspect we’ll see better numbers for drivers like Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick thanks to the return of practices and real qualifying. I imagine that Bubba Wallace will do a bit better now that Kurt Busch has joined him on 23IX Racing. I think that Daniel Suarez and Ross Chastain will be real competitors on the Trackhouse Racing Team with Justin Marks and Pitbull behind them. And I bet that Aric Almirola will enjoy a win or two more this season as it’s his last hurrah before retirement.
But it only matters a tiny bit what I think. NASCAR is a sport that never delivers the same thing twice. And that’s why we love it. So, without further adieu, I give you the 5th Down Fantasy brilliant, bold, and bonkers NASCAR expert picks for the Daytona 500.
Brilliant – These expert picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Denny Hamlin
Am I really putting my reputation on the line by doling out NASCAR fantasy advice on this pick? Am I suggesting that Denny Hamlin tie Cal Yarborough with a fourth win at the Daytona 500? I am. This is as good a place as any to stick the No. 11 in your fantasy lineup.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 3
Top-5 finishes: 11
Top-10 finishes: 12
Joey Logano
Joey Logano has aced his practice runs this week, and that gives me enough confidence is his abilities to win this race. He’s running on a high after his win at the LA Coliseum followed by the birth of his baby daughter (Congratulations, Logano family!). That’s a recipe for a Daytona 500 win if ever I saw one.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 6
Top-10 finishes: 9
Kurt Busch
Kurt Busch is going to come out of the gate swinging, kick it back for a while to avoid the major wrecks, and speed through the checkered flag when everyone else is left in the dust. That’s just my thoughts, but his record at Daytona, his overall experience, and his new team might give him the edge that no one else has.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 4
Top-10 finishes: 7
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Bubba Wallace
Darrell Wallace Jr. finished in second place twice and fifth place once at Daytona. This could be the year he finishes first. This superspeedway has been kind to him—when it hasn’t wiped him out—and I think that he’s ready to tear it up if he can stay on the track to the very end.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 3
Austin Dillon
The No. 3 is no stranger to winning the Daytona 500. He’s a smart pick for your NASCAR fantasy lineup this weekend when it’s so tricky to zero in on anyone. There are no guarantees here, but at least with Austin Dillon you can usually get some good stage points, a solid finish, and the possibility of a win.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 8
William Byron
Hear me out: William Byron has good numbers at Daytona when he can stay on the track. This is a real NASCAR sleeper pick here because he has four (!) DNFs in his short Cup Series career. But: if he can stay out of trouble, he’s a real contender for first place. Give him a chance this week and you won’t be disappointed.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 2
Top-10 finishes: 2
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week
Martin Truex Jr.
I’ve been doing this article for how many NASCAR fantasy seasons now, and we always end up here together, Martin. One of these days the tables will turn for the driver of the No. 19 car and he’s gonna get that elusive win at The Daytona 500. But I wouldn’t go and put him in my fantasy lineup just yet.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 5
Christopher Bell
I expect great things from the driver of the No. 20 in 2022. Just not at the Daytona 500. It isn’t the Daytona Road Course, after all, where he nabbed his first win last season. Chris Bell is learning a lot as he goes, though, so I suspect he might find a place in my NASCAR fantasy lineup at Superspeedways in the future.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Kyle Larson
Yep. I said it. Don’t get me wrong, this driver is up for another fantastic season, but I feel like Kyle Larson might cool down just a tad. Daytona hasn’t really been in his wheelhouse (pun intended) and the numbers show that. Save him for a better track in your NASCAR fantasy league.
Daytona Superspeedway Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 5
