NASCAR DFS DraftKings Lineup Advice: Bristol Speedway 4/23/17

The NASCAR Monster Energy Cup series returns to racing this weekend, as the sport took the Easter Weekend off.   In the last race at Texas(the Sunday before Easter) defending NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and his team came together to overcome their slump to take the checkered flag.   And not surprisingly, Kyle Larson worked his way to 2nd place after starting in the back at 32nd.   Larson is still the undisputed top driver this year thus far.

This week, the Monster Energy Cup series heads to Tennessee, to one of the most popular racetracks with NASCAR fans, the Bristol Motor Speedway.   This concrete, oval short track is .533 miles long, with heavy banking.   Let’s review my picks for this race.

My Top 5 Picks for the Food City 500

Chase Elliott($9400):  Elliott has been the best and most consistent Hendrick Motorsports driver this year.  He is 2nd in overall championship points, and finished in the Top 10 in Texas a few weeks ago.   In last year’s Bristol Speedway Spring Race, he finished 9th.    He has been a great DFS fantasy play every week.

Brad Keselowski($10,300):   This Team Penske driver has been very dominant this year, and actually has the highest driver rating among all drivers thus far.    He finished 6th in Texas.    Keselowski has performed well at Bristol with two wins, four Top 5’s, and six Top 10’s.   Even with the suspension of his crew chief, the #2 Miller Lite Ford Fusion team has still cranked out Top 10 finishes.

Kyle Busch($10,600):   Kyle Busch has been angry since his Las Vegas dust-up with Logano and hungry for a win.  He has been very close to getting his first win of the year in the past few races.   Bristol could be the place where he gets his first win as he has an impressive five wins, eight Top 5’s, and thirteen Top 10’s at this racetrack.    In Friday’s practice, he recorded the 2nd highest speed.    The only downside is that he is the most expensive driver this week, so while he is not a value play, he is pretty close to a sure thing with production at this track.

Jimmie Johnson($9700):   The seven time NASCAR champion finally got his win a few weeks ago at Texas to qualify for the playoffs.  Usually, Johnson wins his first of the year a lot earlier.  With his team back on track, Johnson can carry this momentum to a Top 5 finish.  Johnson has four wins at Bristol Motor Speedway.

Kyle Larson($10,100):   Larson has been on a tear.  He is first in the championship points.  In the past 6 out of the past 7 races, his lowest finish has been 2nd place.    He has been strong in each and every race without exception.    With his continued momentum, he is a must start for cash games.

Value Picks

Jamie McMurray($8,000):   McMurray is teammates with Kyle Larson at Chip Ganassi Racing.  Both drivers and temmates have had consistently fast cars all year-long.   McMurray finished 8th in Friday’s practice showing that this week he has another fast car at his disposal.   His best finish at this track was 8th, which came at last fall’s Bristol race.    He is a great value at $8,000.

Ryan Blaney($8,200):   Blaney is a young driver that has had surprisingly great performances this year.   In the Texas race, Blaney dominated the race winning Stages 1 and Stage 2.   If not for a pit strategy misfire, he could have gotten at Top 5 finish if not winning the checkered flag  At $8,200, he is a good value play at Bristol.  He finished 5th at this race last spring.

Sleeper Pick

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.($7100):  Stenhouse runs well at Bristol with two Top 5’s, and two Top 10 finishes, with his highest finish at 2nd place in last fall’s race.   He finished 10th in Friday’s practice session.  At $7,100, he is a very affordable pick that can complete any cash lineup.

ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.

The GoingFor2 Live Podcast