Last week’s Brilliant Pick, Ryan Blaney, pulled off an amazing win in Talladega. After several lead changes, drives going front to back and worst to first, overcoming penalties, and facing crushing defeat, it was the driver of the number 12 who came out victorious.
Ryan Blaney knows how to make Talladega work to his advantage, and it got him an instant spot in the Round of 8. Several drivers were taken out due to accidents, including playoff drivers Ross Chastain and Brad Keselowski, while other playoff drivers just could not get their cars into position, such as Tyler Reddick, Martin Truex Jr., Chris Buescher, and Bubba Wallace. Only two playoff divers, William Bryon and Denny Hamlin, finished the day well.
This week we head to the Charlotte Roval where, much like Talladega, anything can happen. It’s the next elimination race for four divers, and right now Bubba Wallace, Tyler Reddick, Ross Chastain, and Kyle Bush sit below the cutoff line—some, but not by much. Brad Keselowski sits just above it, with Kyle Larson only 15 points to the good. A little slip can ruin the season for any of these drivers, but it remains to be seen just who.
When you set your lineup this week, remember these Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the NASCAR Cup Series Round of 12 Elimination Race: Bank of America Roval 400 at the Charlotte Motor Speedway Road Course.
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Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Ryan Blaney
I almost feel like Ryan Blaney is too nice of a guy to steal this win away from someone else—almost. I think that if it’s between him and anyone other than Bubba Wallace or Chase Elliott, he’s gonna take a second win without blinking an eye. Consider him running up front at the end, no matter what.
Wins at The Roval: 1
Top 5s: 2
Top 10s: 4
Christopher Bell
Christopher Bell has had the oddest last few weeks I’ve ever seen. Three poles, zero wins, pit stop hiccups, unfortunate accidents; it’s all been there to hold him back. But, this resilient driver is no stranger to road courses, and I think he might be able to pull off a win and advance to the next round at The Roval.
Wins at The Roval: 1
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 2
Chase Elliott
It’s a road course, after all, and Chase Elliott knows his way around all of them—especially The Roval. He’s really shown up in these past few races, and I fully expect him to win this week. Just sayin’.
Wins at The Roval: 2
Top 5s: 2
Top 10s: 3
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Joey Logano
If you’d like to pick Joey Logano for the win at Charlotte this weekend, I won’t stop you. In fact, I think he might be a smart bet given how well he has done here in the past. Joey seems to have found a way to run well from start to finish, and that’s going to be important if he wants to get his first Roval win. Keep an eye on the 22 on Sunday.
Wins at The Roval: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 4
Tyler Reddick
The last couple of weeks have been rough on Tyler Reddick, but this is an elimination race on a road course. He’s not going to lay over on this one. Consider him for stage points, possibly the win, and a trip to the Round of 8 by the time The Roval is over.
Wins at The Roval: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 2
Chris Beuscher
Barring an early ending or a horrible performance, Chris Beuscher has pretty much earned his way into the next round on points. But that doesn’t mean he should relax just yet. His finishes here have gotten better as each season goes along, and it’s time for this 17 RFK driver to make some noise and come out swinging at The Roval. If not a win, then a top-five finish.
Wins at The Roval: 0
Top 5s: 1
Top 10s: 2
Bonkers – Chances are slim that these drivers will benefit your NASCAR fantasy points this week
Ty Gibbs
I just don’t see the kid grabbing a win here. Next year, I fully expect Ty Gibbs to make it into the Round of 16, but this track isn’t going to do him any favors. Take a pass on the 54 this week.
Wins at The Roval: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Ty Dillon
Ty Dillon has not even cracked the top 20 at The Roval after four tires. It’s safe to leave him out of your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week.
Wins at The Roval: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
Aric Almirola
With next season in the balance and a few races left, Aric Almirola might have another chance to win in 2023. But I don’t see that happening this weekend.
Wins at The Roval: 0
Top 5s: 0
Top 10s: 0
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