Last week’s Brilliant NACSAR Fantasy Pick Denny Hamlin won the HighPoint.com 400 after gently sliding Kyle Larson up the track and out of the way. The controversy remains with some saying “that’s racing” and others on the “that’s just wrong” side of the equation.
Fans at the track were wildly upset over this infraction, raining boos down upon the 11 as he exited his car for a post-race interview, and it shows that Denny is now the most disliked driver in NASCAR. It’s true that Denny Hamlin is one of the most aggressive drivers out there, and that aggression sneaks out from time to time. But it’s also true that Kyle Larson, one of the most non-aggressive drivers out there, was on two fresh tires versus Hamlin’s four. Scuffles and kerfuffles happen just about every week in NASCAR, and this one will pass as they all do. Like, who even remembers that Austin Dillon took off his helmet and threw it at Tyler Reddick after an on-track altercation that took the #3 out of the race? Whatever. Let’s go racing!
Kyle Larson will probably forget all about that run-in with his friend when NASCAR heads off to Richmond this weekend. This is a great time for him to cast his cares away and heal those wounds with another season win. As long as he can hold off the rest of the Brilliant and Bold NASCAR fantasy picks for the CookOut 400 at Richmond Raceway. (The Bonkers picks shouldn’t be much of a threat.)
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Martin Truex Jr.
If anyone has been on a hot streak this summer, it’s Martin Truex Jr. Amazing finishes, wins, and runs have given him an edge over most of the other drivers this season. He’s number one right now, and I bet he’ll be number one again in Richmond.
Wins in Richmond: 3
Top 5s: 9
Top 10s: 16
Kevin Harvick
So, as much as I worry about Kevin Harvick actually getting a win in his final season before retirement, I still have faith in him. His record here is impeccable, with barely a double-digit finish in the last decade. You’d be foolish to leave him out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week.
Wins in Richmond: 4
Top 5s: 18
Top 10s: 30
Kyle Larson
After last week’s loss, Kyle Larson will probably come out of the gate swinging. He’s one of the top prospects this week, and I have to agree that he has a great chance. As long as he can hold off the rest of the field and those who are gunning to get into the playoffs.
Wins in Richmond: 2
Top 5s: 6
Top 10s: 8
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Chase Elliott
Chase Elliott needs to get on the winning train in order to slide into the playoffs, and the later it gets, the later it gets. He has a good record here, but a win has eluded him. This might be the week he catches it.
Wins in Richmond: 0
Top 5s: 5
Top 10s: 6
Aric Almirola
You might be surprised to see him here, but it’s amazing what desperation can do to a driver. Aric Almirola needs a win to get in, and with the way he’s been driving recently, it’s not impossible. As long as he stays out of trouble.
Wins in Richmond: 0
Top 5s: 2
Top 10s: 8
Alex Bowman
Time is getting really short for the other Hendrick driver to get into the playoffs. This has probably been his worst season yet thanks to injuries, but a win on Sunday can turn that all around for Alex Bowman.
Wins in Richmond: 1
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 4
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Ryan Blaney
Yikes. Ryan Blaney has been eeking by every week by the skin of his teeth. Good thing he already has a win. He’s not great at Richmond, with most finishes closer to ten than one. Take a pass on the 12 in NASCAR fantasy this week.
Wins in Richmond: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 3
Eric Jones
Not one of his best tracks. Eric Jones has had a rough season, though he’s shown some positive glimpses in recent weeks. So, it may still be in the cards for the 43 in the not-so-distant future. But not here.
Wins in Richmond: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 1
William Byron
So, after 4 wins this season, he’s the person least in need of a victory. And I think William Byron will lay low this weekend and save his energy for the playoffs.
Wins in Richmond: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 2
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