👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Federated Auto Parts 400: DFS NASCAR Lineup Sleepers And Drivers To Avoid

I'm coming off of a huge week in DFS after winning my first two tournaments using my FREE driver picks from last week's race preview.

If you happened to play all four of my picks you most likely had a solid last Sunday as well, and I want to hear from you on Twitter, (@GarageGuyChase) or by calling the Garage Guys Fantasy Sports Podcast hotline (929-430-GGFS). We're saddling up to do it all over again this week in Richmond, and it all starts with the sleepers to keep an eye on.

Going into the second week of the NASCAR Playoffs, you HAVE to watch these guys on the lower end of the totem pole trying to stay alive, but also the guys that have nothing to lose. Last time the cup series ran this track, Martin Truex Jr got his first short-track victory, and was listed as a sleeper in this series at that time. Truex Jr. won't be listed as a sleeper anymore, but below are the guys you need to use to fill in the gaps when creating your powerhouse lineups come Saturday night.

For more DFS NASCAR from top analysts and proven winners, upgrade to our Premium Package.

 

What We Learned At Las Vegas

  • Kyle Busch is only here so he doesn't get fined.
  • Hendrick is heating up with three of four drivers getting a Top 10.
  • Ryan Blaney is back?
  • Never take Kurt Busch to Las Vegas with you.

 

DFS Lineup Sleepers - Federated Auto Parts 400

Daniel Suarez

Suarez missed the playoffs due to a great "push it to the limit" effort by Ryan Newman. Even though I'd probably take Newman in a fight against Suarez, I won't be taking him for his driving this week. Suarez hasn't been hot as of late by any means, but with his track record at Richmond, he should be a good mid-tier driver for fantasy purposes.

Jimmie Johnson

Johnson finished just outside the Top 10 last week in Las Vegas, and I don't think he's going to just lay down for the remainder of the season after missing the playoffs. Johnson has finished in the Top 10 seven times at this track since 2014, which makes him the most luxurious sleeper in the game this week. Don't sleep on Jimmie!

Ricky Stenhouse Jr.

Richard Stenhouse Junior is a name that you haven't heard in this series in a hot minute, but I'm keeping my eyes peeled on him this weekend. Stenhouse Jr. is out here with nothing to lose this season, and depending on his practice session on Friday, he could be a key player for your lineups. Stenhouse Jr. averages 30 FPTS at this track, and had a Top 10 finish back in 2017.

 

DFS Lineup Avoids - Federated Auto Parts 400

Ryan Blaney

Blaney was a bad man in DFS this past week racking up some solid points, but I don't see it happening again this week in Richmond. In his career, Blaney has never posted a Top 10, and has only scored an average of 8.50 FPTS when running at Richmond. Leave Blaney in the garage this Saturday.

Michael McDowell

McDowell can pay off sometimes as a low-end fantasy option in DFS, but thats not the case this weekend. If you were to play him this week you would feel dirtier than the bathroom of his sponsor, (Love's) and I've got the data to prove it. McDowell has never posted a Top 10 at this track, and has only had two Top 20s in his entire career.

Bubba Wallace

Bubba shined some light for those who played him in Indianapolis two weeks ago, but other than that he's been one of the more disappointing drivers this season. Wallace should not be used to fill the gaps this Saturday night unless he starts at the rear. Wallace has finished every race in his career at this track with negative placement, and only averages 12 FPTS.

For any and all fantasy NASCAR questions, find me on Twitter @GarageGuyChase.  

More Fantasy NASCAR Analysis

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

#1 Expert Projections
Save 50% Now
Import Your Leagues
Props Tool
Compare Any Players
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
T.J. Hockenson

Can T.J. Hockenson Bounce Back with Improved Quarterback Play in Minnesota?
Jordan Love

Is Jordan Love's Dynasty Upside Fading Entering 2026?
Dalton Schultz

Facing Increased Playing Time Competition in Houston Entering 2026
Kimani Vidal

Dynasty Value in Question Due to Uncertain Playing Time Outlook
Juwan Johnson

Facing Reduced Role in New Orleans Following NFL Draft?
Chuba Hubbard

a Prime Bounce-Back Candidate Following Offseason Moves
Indianapolis Colts

Kenny Moore Granted his Release by Colts
Minnesota Vikings

Chad Alexander a Candidate for Vikings GM Job
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Minnesota Vikings

Vikings Request to Interview RJ Gillen for GM Job
Drake Maye

Shoulder Doing "Great"
Gunnar Helm

a Clear Breakout Candidate Despite Crowded Offense?
Travis Hunter

Dynasty Managers Regret Drafting Travis Hunter?
Khalil Shakir

Offseason Addition a Threat to Khalil Shakir's Consistency?
Christian Watson

Can Christian Watson Overcome Injury History?
Pat Freiermuth

a Bounce-Back Candidate in New System
Tua Tagovailoa

Lacks Long-Term Appeal in Dynasty Leagues
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
Jordan Mason

Still Holding Dynasty Value
Aaron Rodgers

Planning a Visit With Steelers
Dontayvion Wicks

What is Dontayvion Wicks' Dynasty Ceiling?
Ja'Tavion Sanders

a Sneaky Buy in Dynasty Leagues
Tank Dell

Steadily Regaining Dynasty Value
Paul George

Does a Little Bit of Everything in Game 2 Loss
Tyrese Maxey

Tallies Team-High 26 Points in Wednesday's Loss
Jalen Brunson

Leads Knicks With 26 Points Wednesday
Victor Wembanyama

Notches Another Double-Double
Stephon Castle

Scores Game-High 21 Points in Blowout Win
Ayo Dosunmu

Exits Game 2 With Heel Issue
OG Anunoby

Suffers Apparent Leg Injury Wednesday
Mark Stone

Nets Late Power-Play Goal in Losing Effort
Leo Carlsson

Pots Game-Winner Wednesday Night
Juraj Slafkovsky

Ends Point Drought in Game 1 Loss
Bowen Byram

Ties Franchise Record With Fourth Postseason Goal
Zach Benson

Posts Second Consecutive Multi-Point Game
Rasmus Dahlin

"Seems Fine" After Early Exit on Wednesday
Sam Merrill

Listed as Questionable for Thursday
Luke Kennard

Tagged as Questionable for Game 2 Against Thunder
Jarred Vanderbilt

Considered Doubtful for Thursday
Jalen Williams

Still Out Thursday
Carter Bryant

Available Wednesday Night
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Reveals Recovery Timeline
Anthony Edwards

Cleared for Game 2 Against Spurs
Mitchell Robinson

is Ruled Out for Game 2 on Wednesday
Kevin Huerter

is Doubtful for Game 2 on Thursday
Brandon Miller

has Successful Shoulder Surgery
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan has Grade 2 Hamstring Strain, Expected to Miss 4-8 Weeks
Ayo Dosunmu

is Cleared to Play in Game 2
Joe Ryan

Listed as Scheduled Starter for Saturday Against Cleveland
Joel Embiid

is Downgraded to Out for Game 2
Tyler Glasnow

Not Expected to Land on the Injured List
Framber Valdez

Suspension Reduced to Five Games
Nils Hoglander

Will Miss World Championship Due to Injury
Christian Dvorak

Likely to Play in Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Owen Tippett

a Game-Time Decision Thursday
Noah Cates

to Miss Rest of Round 2
Arber Xhekaj

Rejoins Canadiens Lineup Wednesday
Brendan Gallagher

Scratched on Wednesday
Logan Stanley

Returns to Action Wednesday
Framber Valdez

Suspended Six Games
Tyler Glasnow

Exits Early on Wednesday With Back Pain
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Brandon Woodruff

has Fluid Drained From his Right Shoulder
Brandon Woodruff

to Resume Throwing on Saturday, Return Imminent?
Carlos Correa

to Have Season-Ending Ankle Surgery
Jacob Misiorowski

Listed as Friday's Probable Starter
Logan Webb

Dealing With Knee Discomfort
Carlos Correa

Expected to Miss Significant Time With Ankle Injury
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
Chet Holmgren

Leads Thunder to Victory in Game 1 Against Lakers
LeBron James

Scores Game-High 27 Points in Tuesday's Loss
Mats Zuccarello

Extends Point Streak to Five Games
Kirill Kaprizov

Nets Third Playoff Goal
Scott Wedgewood

Returns to Form in Game 2 Against Wild
Gabriel Landeskog

Picks Up Two Power-Play Points Tuesday
Martin Necas

Has Second Straight Multi-Point Outing
Nathan MacKinnon

Joins Exclusive List With Another Three-Point Performance
TOR

Maple Leafs Win Draft Lottery
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Headed for Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Emilio Pagán

Emilio Pagan Carted Off With Apparent Hamstring Injury on Tuesday
Justin Rose

to Continue Mid-Season Club Change at Truist Championship
Si Woo Kim

is Back to Peak Form Ahead of Truist Championship
Sam Burns

to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Cameron Young

Looks to Carry Dominance to Quail Hollow
Rory McIlroy

Returns to Familiar Stomping Grounds This Week at Quail Hollow
Chris Gotterup

Looking to Bounce Back at Quail Hollow
MLB

Cardinals-Brewers Game Postponed on Tuesday
Roman Anthony

Day-to-Day With Wrist Sprain
Radko Gudas

to Remain Sidelined Wednesday
Jacob Misiorowski

"All Things Look Good" for Jacob Misiorowski to Start on Wednesday
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking For Better Iron Play at Quail Hollow
MLB

Rockies-Mets Game Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
CFB

Mario Craver Enters No. 1 Wide Receiver Role for Marcel Reed
Raisel Iglesias

Braves Officially Reinstate Raisel Iglesias From Injured List on Tuesday
CFB

LaNorris Sellers a Strong Rebound Candidate in 2026
CFB

Cam Coleman Poised for Monster Year at Texas?
CFB

Will Hammond Pushing to Be Ready for Week 1
Alex Fitzpatrick

Looking to Keep Up Ball-Striking Output at Quail Hollow
CFB

Notre Dame Leads College Football in Returning Snaps
CFB

Two Ole Miss Football Players Arrested, Charged with DUI
Ben Griffin

Looks Solid on the Surface Heading to Charlotte
Chase Elliott

Earns his Second Texas Motor Speedway Victory
Denny Hamlin

Misses Out on Winning at Texas
Alex Bowman

Finishes Third for the Second Week in a Row at Texas
Tyler Reddick

Earns Seventh Top-Five Finish of the Season at Texas
Chris Buescher

Scores his First Career Texas Finish in the Top Five
CFB

Bryce Underwood in Better Situation Entering Sophomore Season
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Emerging as Leader, Playmaker for UCLA
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated At UFC Perth
Carlos Prates

Shines At UFC Perth
Beneil Dariush

Suffers A First-Round TKO Loss
Quillan Salkilld

Remains Unbeaten In The UFC
Tim Elliott

Drops Decision At UFC Perth
Steve Erceg

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Ollie Schmid

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Marwan Rahiki

Remains Unbeaten
Christopher Bell

Is Christopher Bell Worth Rostering for Texas Lineups?
William Byron

Might have the Speed to Compete for the Win at Texas
Joey Logano

Provides Solid Upside for Texas DFS Lineups
Chase Briscoe

Could Chase Briscoe be A Sneaky Pick for Texas Lineups?
Ty Gibbs

Should DFS Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Texas?
Daniel Suarez

Is Daniel Suarez Worth Rostering After Career-Best Starting Position at Texas?
Kyle Busch

Is a DFS Risk Starting in the Top 10 at Texas
Tyler Reddick

One of the Favorites to Win at Texas
Chase Elliott

Could Contend for Another Win at Texas
Carson Hocevar

on Pole at Texas
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Wrecks in Practice at Texas
Chris Buescher

Looking to Continue Strong Run at Texas
Austin Dillon

Blows Engine in Practice at Texas
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF