RADIO
The NASCAR playoffs are rolling strong as we head into the Round of 8. Last week in Kansas, there were plenty of things that didn't go as planned, but it ended up making an exciting race for the fans in overtime. Denny Hamlin pulled off his 5th victory of the season, and put up the most fantasy points at the last run in Kansas for 2019 (119.25).
Brad Keselowski had an unfortunate ending to his playoff hopes after starting fourth, and finishing the race 19th. Keselowski was popular play, and was a favorite to pull off the win in Kansas. I'm not sure exactly what happened to him, but it seemed as if he couldn't get the car to do what he needed it to do, and as a result, it sent Chase Elliott into the next round.
This week, NASCAR hits up Martinsville Speedway for the last time this year, and there are plenty of challenges for drivers at this track. Mainly the paperclip shape of pit road, and the crazy restarts. Expect to see the usual suspects do well here, but there's definitely some guys that could give you an edge, and some that could kill your lineups completely.
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What We Learned At Kansas
- Kevin Harvick doesn't disappoint from the rear (like ever).
- William Byron hit the wow button with 66.25 FPTS
- Brad Keselowski won't be joining The Round of 8.
- Daniel Hemric shouldn't be started in your fantasy lineups from the pole
DFS Lineup Sleepers - First Data 400
Kurt Busch
Busch has most certainly had his ups and downs at The Paperclip, but he could end up being a good producer this Sunday. Busch ended his Top 10 drought in 2018 at this track, but with talks still happening with him and Chip Ganassi Racing, it could give him a mental push to ride the lighting. Busch finished the second practice in third with a speed of 95.704, and qualified 25th.
Ryan Preece
Preece is a bit of a crapshoot, but I'm counting on his race to win Rookie of The Year to be his motivation over the next few races. Preece came out swinging in the second practice on Saturday, finishing behind Daniel Hemric (his ROY competition) in fifth with a speed of 95.477. He starts in P21 this Sunday.
Austin Dillon
Dillon was one of my driver picks for the STP 500, and he didn't disappoint one bit in that race finishing in 11th, and racking up 62.50 FPTS. I don't see a repeat happening this weekend, but I still don't want to take away from his good runs at this track. Dillon starts in P23 on Sunday, and (weird stat) when he's started in the 20's since the start of his career, he's produced three out of five great fantasy days.
DFS Lineup Avoids - First Data 400
Michael McDowell
McDowell had a killer run in qualifying, (like some crazy wild stuff) but if you think starting him in your lineup from P5 sounds like a good idea, then you should probably stick to playing other sports in DFS. McDowell has never hit a Top 10 at this track, and constantly drops spots. I'm going to go ahead and name McDowell my "Trash Can Special" this week because he will trash your lineup faster than Chase Elliott did in Dover.
Erik Jones
Mr. Jones was a cool song by The Counting Crows, but they weren't singing about Erik Jones at this track. Jones qualified eighth, and had a decent day in practice, but something about The Paperclip gets Jones clipped too tight. The only race where he finished with positive placement was his first career race at this track.
Daniel Suarez
What can I say about this pick except, "SURPRISE, Its no surprise"? Suarez has just been boo all season if I'm going to be honest, and I don't expect to see any type of redemption the rest of the way. Suarez had one Top 10 practice run and qualified ninth, but it should be another mediocre run on Sunday, and you'll have better luck filling the spot with someone else.
For any and all fantasy NASCAR questions, find me on Twitter @GarageGuyChase.
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