NASCAR fantasy picks for the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway

Last week’s Brilliant NASCAR fantasy pick Kyle Larson got his first win in Darlington and drove his way into the next round of the 2023 Cup Series Playoffs. The number five had a shaky start, but he flew up the track and held his own in the top ten behind Denny Hamlin, Tyler Reddick, Brad Keselowski, and a host of other contending drivers.

But then, after leading 177 laps and sweeping stages one and two, Denny Hamlin felt a vibration and had to make a green-flag pit stop. The number 11 was never able to get back to the front and was disappointed in his 25th-place finish. But it paved the way for Larson, Reddick, Beuscher, Byron, and Chastain to gain ground in the points standings.

Kevin Harvick was almost a winner until a simple pit stop turned into a penalty when Newman got into Reddick and caused a caution just before Harvick crossed the pit road entrance. Them’s the brakes, though, and that’s what makes the playoffs so intense.  

Kansas is the last race before the elimination race in Bristol on the 16th and it’s another chance for a playoff driver to cement his way into the Round of 12. Expect chaos. 

Here are my Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the second NASCAR Cup Series playoff race: the Hollywood Casino 400 at Kansas Speedway. 

5th Down Fantasy is a proud sponsor of the new NASCAR podcast: Holly’s Racing Fantasy. Follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for the latest happenings in the NASCAR Cup Series, highlights from the previous week’s race, and fantasy picks for the upcoming event.

Follow and Subscribe: Spotify | Apple | YouTube | Amazon | Stitcher | iHeart Radio

Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend

Denny Hamlin

Denny Hamlin’s disappointment in Darlington could lead to a straight-up shoot-out in Kansas. Expect the number 11 to be upfront when the final flag flies. After all, he won it last spring and he averages fifth when it comes to finishes. 

Wins in Kansas: 4

Top 5s: 12

Top 10s: 13

Kyle Larson

Once again, Kyle Larson will prove why he’s here in the run for the Championship. I predict a top-five finish in Kansas. A repeat of the win? Maybe. But definitely a solid run barring any accidents or mishaps on pit road.

Wins in Kansas: 1

Top 5s: 6

Top 10s: 9

Martin Truex Jr.

Last week was not good for Martin Truex Jr.; he just didn’t have the speed to get up there and stay there. This week will be different. He’s only been outside of the top 10 once here since 2016. I can say with confidence: Keep an eye on this Gibbs car for entry to the next round of the playoffs.

Wins in Kansas: 2

Top 5s: 10

Top 10s: 17

Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks 

Bubba Wallace

Bubba Wallace won this race last September, and he was not even in the playoffs at that time. But he is now. It’s time for the 23 to punch his ticket to the next round. And I believe he can do it here in Kansas on Sunday.

Wins in Kansas: 1

Top 5s: 2

Top 10s: 3

Christopher Bell

Last week he was getting in sync with his new and improved pit crew. This week, Christopher Bell dominates Kansas. It’s my prediction, and you can take that insight to heart and stick him in your NASCAR fantasy lineup. 

Wins in Kansas: 0

Top 5s: 2

Top 10s: 4

Alex Bowman

Not everyone who has a shot at the win is in a playoff run. Alex Bowman still wants a win this season and he seems poised to get one at just about every track. Keep an eye on the 48 on Sunday.

Wins in Kansas: 0

Top 5s: 3

Top 10s: 7

Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week

Austin Dillon

After many runs in Kansas, Austin Dillon still hasn’t cracked the top five. And I don’t think he’ll do it this time around, either. 

Wins in Kansas: 0

Top 5s: 0

Top 10s: 6

Kyle Busch

Great stats don’t always guarantee another great run, especially when there are 5 DNFs in the mix at Kansas. Kyle Busch has been oh-so cold of late, and I think it will take a better track to bring him another win this season.

Wins in Kansas: 2

Top 5s: 10

Top 10s: 14

Joey Logano

Yes, he has shown some goodness here, but he also has 4 DNFs. He may do okay when all is said and done, but I wouldn’t put your eggs in the basket of the 22 when it comes to the Kansas NASCAR fantasy picks. 

Wins in Kansas: 3

Top 5s: 8

Top 10s: 11