No one expected Chris Beuscher of RFK Racing to come up and cross the finish line first in last week’s CookOut 400, but he did just that. And, honestly, it was only a matter of time before the win occurred. Chris Beuscher has had a great season and was already in the playoffs on points, but a win cemented his position and locked him in. Second-place winner Denny Hamlin seemed poised to play spoiler, but after hearing the loudest boos of his career at his home track, I think he took it upon himself to lay off and let the 17 roll into victory lane. A smart move, to be sure.
This week NASCAR heads back to Michigan, and it’s only one of four races left before the playoffs begin. I’m sticking with drivers who are either on the bubble, just outside of it, or in the playoffs without a clinched position. You can bet that the action will increase, tempers will burn hotter, and the races will get more exciting as everyone jockeys for position going down the front stretch.
Here when you need them, the Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the FireKeepers 400 at Michigan International Speedway.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Brad Keselowski
Right now Brad Keselowski is reminding everyone what a great driver he is by finishing well just about every week. Though he’s technically in the playoffs, he’s not cemented in, so he needs a win to feel confident in September. He hasn’t won in Michigan yet, but there’s a first time for everything.
Wins in Michigan: 0
Top 5s: 7
Top 10s: 13
Kevin Harvick
Kevin Harvick is in the playoffs with points, but could easily get knocked out if a few of the drivers outside of the bubble get a win in the next four races. The stats here are amazing for the number 4, though, so if he doesn’t win, he’ll still have a great finish. Especially considering he’s won five of the last seven races in Michigan.
Wins in Michigan: 6
Top 5s: 16
Top 10s: 22
Kyle Larson
Whatever is happening with Kyle Larson, I bet it disappears on Sunday. He’s recovered from his track altercations with the 11 and he’s starting on at a track where success has been his for the taking. The number 5 gets back into championship form on Sunday with a win or top 5 finish in Michigan.
Wins in Michigan: 3
Top 5s: 6
Top 10s: 8
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Chase Elliott
I’m not convinced that this is his best shot at a win, but I know that Chase Elliott and his team would probably rather get it over with now and take the pressure off of the upcoming road courses where anything can go wrong. The stats here aren’t bad so he’ll at least finish well if not up front.
Wins in Michigan: 0
Top 5s: 3
Top 10s: 10
Bubba Wallace
Right now, Bubba Wallace is in it, but hanging out near the bottom of the bubble. In order to rise up higher and secure his playoff spot, he needs a great finish in Michigan. Though he doesn’t have the best stats in the group, they aren’t too shabby, and his sheer will might be enough to propel him to the front.
Wins in Michigan: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 2
Ty Gibbs
Ty Gibbs has turned it on in recent weeks and now sits just below the cutoff line. He’s only run once here in the Cup Series and he came in 10th. I betcha he shrinks that number down to fifth or better by the end of the race on Sunday.
Wins in Michigan: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 1
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Aric Almirola
I think the time to win has passed for double A. Everything that could go wrong for the number 10 pretty much has. It’s a slim chance that Aric Almirola hits Victory lane on Sunday.
Wins in Michigan: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 2
A.J. Allmendinger
With two road courses coming up in the next few weeks, you can bet that A.J. Allmendinger is setting his sights on them to get into the playoffs. He’s not great in Michigan, so wait until next week to add him into your NASCAR fantasy team.
Wins in Michigan: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Alex Bowman
The season has gotten shorter and shorter for the number 48, and his stats here are pretty paltry. Take a pass on Alex Bowman when you set your NASCAR fantasy lineup this weekend for Michigan.
Wins in Michigan: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
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