In his 40th start for NASCAR, Chase Briscoe became the fourth different driver to win a race in this 2022 season. Briscoe led 101 laps and held off equally-impressive Ross Chastain and Tyler Reddick, who finished second and third, respectively.
It seems like a new era is at hand when you look at the top three from Phoenix—and I don’t expect things to end here. With so many fresh faces, so many new teams, and so many good drivers sitting on an even playing field with the Next Gen cars, every week has the potential to bust someone’s NASCAR fantasy bubble, create drama, and put pressure on the old fan favorites like Kevin Harvick, Kyle Busch, Chase Elliott, Joey Logano, and Denny Hamlin. And with a slew of road courses on the way, who knows what we’ll see.
Give the veterans time to heat up, you know they’ll get there eventually, but expect great things from the guys who have just arrived, or been around a long time and finally have a chance to shine.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kyle Busch
Each and every week, Kyle Busch fights his way through the pack to finish well—but not well enough. This week, I think you’re going to see the No. 18 switch gears and make a huge effort to take control of his season, starting with a win in Atlanta. He just needs to stay on the track and hold off the rest of the pack.
Atlanta Wins: 2
Top-5 finishes: 8
Top-10 finishes: 11
Ryan Blaney
If you’ve watched every race of the 2022 NASCAR season, you know how Ryan Blaney has driven each track with the skill and precision we’ve seen often throughout his career. Twice it paid off with top-five finishes; twice it ended in disaster. This week, I’m betting on the No. 12 to finally catch the brass ring and come away with a well-deserved trip to victory lane.
Atlanta Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 3
Top-10 finishes: 3
Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott has been up and down the race track every week, hanging out in the front, getting kicked to the back, and riding in the middle. With two of his teammates already secured in the playoffs, it stands to reason that the kid from Dawsonville will take his shot at his home track in Georgia. He’s a solid pick for your NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Atlanta Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 1
Top-10 finishes: 5
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Kurt Busch
23XI has been good for Kurt Busch. Who knew he’d run so well so fast after moving into a Toyota—a first for his career. His current hot streak, win last August, and stats here (he’s only finished outside the top-10 four times since 2008) give me the confidence I need to pick him as a top NASCAR fantasy prospect in Atlanta.
Atlanta Wins: 4
Top-5 finishes: 8
Top-10 finishes: 16
Tyler Reddick
Tyler Reddick has been so impressive this season, though his final numbers don’t always show it thanks to car troubles and unavoidable accidents. I know I’ve picked him a couple of times already, but he’s one to watch. Unexpected drivers are taking NASCAR by storm (and wrecking the fantasy stats) and so far, No. 8 is one of ‘em.
Atlanta Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Ross Chastain
I’m all about riding the streak, and Ross Chastain is on a hot one. Two weeks in a row, he finished third, then second. If you think he’s going to stop now, don’t waste your brain cells. Look for the driver of the No 1 and the Trackhouse Racing team to come out of the gate swinging and have another great finish, if not a straight-up win.
Atlanta Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 0
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Atlanta Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
Denny Hamlin
Denny Hamlin has some bad juju going on. Whether it’s his car, or him, something is always kicking him back in the pack where he just can’t seem to catch back up. Last week both he and Blaney got dinged for pit road penalties; Blaney caught right back up, but the No 11 lingered in the low teens to the finish. It’s a cool streak that I’d avoid until he shows signs of improvement.
Atlanta Wins: 1
Top-5 finishes: 6
Top-10 finishes: 9
Austin Dillon
Austin Dillon had one good week, and then it all went downhill. I do expect him to have a better season than he had last year, but I think he’s having a really tough time getting the job done right now. Give him some time to warm up before you stick him in your NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Atlanta Wins: 0
Top-5 finishes: 0
Top-10 finishes: 1
