RADIO
For most fantasy sports fans, the basics are the safest play. Whether it be football or baseball, most fantasy players stick to what they know best. I'm here to challenge you who stay in your comfort zone to check out a sport that (in my opinion) doesn't get the credit it deserves. I want to welcome you to a brand new weekly series that will have you overly excited to watch left turns happen for hours on the weekends and potentially grease your palms as well.
NASCAR is underway in Daytona Florida for the OG race, The Daytona 500 (AKA The Superbowl of NASCAR). The Gander RV Duels have taken place and the pole has been claimed by 2nd year driver William Byron of the number 24 Axalta Chevrolet Camaro. Drivers like Daniel Suarez and Martin Truex Jr. have joined new racing teams but no matter the changes the one constant is that come Sunday America will receive high speed action pumped into an interesting and exciting sport.
To add extra excitement and increased attention to the sport, we can look to DFS contests on DraftKings and FanDuel. Each week I will be making a few NASCAR DFS lineup picks that will help you create a lineup capable of winning and providing updates for those of you who play in season long leagues. To start off each week its important to know what drivers are starting where.
2019 Daytona 500 - Starting Lineup
1. William Byron
2. Alex Bowman
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Joey Logano
5. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
6. Clint Bowyer
7. Paul Menard
8. Aric Almirola
9. Matt DiBenedetto
10. Denny Hamlin
11. Martin Truex Jr.
12. Kurt Busch
13. Darrell "Bubba" Wallace Jr.
14. Ryan Blaney
15. Chris Buescher
16. Jamie McMurray
17. Jimmie Johnson
18. Chase Elliott
19. Ryan Newman
20. Austin Dillon
21. Ryan Preece
22. Ty Dillon
23. Daniel Suarez
24. David Ragan
25. Parker Kligerman
26. Kyle Larson
27. Landon Cassill
28. Erik Jones
29. Daniel Hemric
30. Brendan Gaughan
31. Kyle Busch
32. Corey Lajoie
33. Matt Tifft
34. Michael McDowell
35. Brad Keselowski
36. Ross Chastain
37. Cody Ware
38. BJ McLeod
39. Tyler Reddick
40. Casey Mears
Take this into consideration when creating your DFS lineups. You definitely want to throw in a couple powerhouse drivers and then focus on the guys towards the back of the pack. That is truly the key to a successful lineup (You gotta have the Sleepers).
So who are these guys that I'm pumped to the moon about this week?
DFS Lineup Picks - DraftKings, FanDuel
Kyle Busch #18 (DK $9,600 | FD $10,300)
Kyle Busch is considered a powerhouse driver (even though his attitude reflects that of Kim Kardashian) racking up a total of 29 Top 10's and a finishing position of 4th in last years 500. This year we will get something special with him starting in the back of the pack.
In the Gander RV Duels this week, Jimmie Johnson caused Busch to spin out leaving him no choice but to start in a not so great position which is amazing for DFS owners looking to rack up big points.
Austin Dillon #3 (DK $7,600 | FD $8,600)
The number 3 car is one of the most iconic vehicles in NASCAR history and now manned by Austin Dillon. He's the grandson of RCR's (Richard Childress Racing) owner Richard Childress and took home the cake last year at the Daytona 500.
This year he's starting at the 20th position which gives him another opportunity to work his way up to the top 10 (and maybe higher). With a car that's intimidating by the number alone, he's worth a start at his price on both sites.
Paul Menard #21 (DK $7,400 | FD $7,600)
There's only a handful of tracks that Paul Menard is worth a play and Daytona is one of them. With Ford moving to the Mustang this season its important to watch how the change will affect the drivers all around.
On Friday Menard absolutely crushed practice with an average lap speed of 200.758 MPH. This gives some reassurance that he will have an advantage if all goes well on Sunday. Menard has the 7th position in the starting lineup.
Kevin Harvick #4 (DK $10,200 | FD $11,500)
Kevin Harvick is a true trusted veteran driver with a car that was insanely fast last year. We all know that Harvick is king at Atlanta Motor Speedway but there's reason to believe with the new mustangs he could be on top this Sunday in sunny Daytona.
So far this week Harvick was the victor of Gander Rv's Duel 1 and leads the pack for Ford in the 500 in the 3rd position. Expect nothing less than a top 10 finish from this driver.
Be sure to stock up on all the goods this Sunday, slam some brews and enjoy the great American race with the added fun of having your own fantasy team to pull for. We'll be back at it next week in Atlanta. Good luck RotoBallers!
