The boldest pick I ever made was last week’s winner Christopher Bell. I’m sure that everyone was just as surprised as I was to see him race his way into the final four. And though I was pretty sure that Ross Chastain would get into the final round, I never imagined that he would race his way up the wall in the final few seconds to get himself a spot and shut the door on Denny Hamlin’s quest for a championship. But these things are more fun when we least expect the results we get—and it will make Sunday’s run even more exciting to watch.
May I present the four drivers who will race for the 2022 NASCAR Cup Series Championship:
Chase Elliott
Joey Logano
Ross Chastain
Christopher Bell
Once again, it has been a pleasure sharing my expert NASCAR fantasy advice with you all each and every week. I hope to bring you even more joy next season. Enjoy the brief break because NASCAR returns on February 5, 2023, with the Busch Light Clash at The Coliseum.
And now, here is the final list of expert fantasy picks for the NASCAR Cup Series Championship at Phoenix Raceway.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
The Final Four Drivers
Chase Elliott
Many of the polls show Chase Elliott as the favorite for the 2022 Championship. I’m not so sure. Although, I do expect him to fight his way to the top and bash around with the other drivers who are vying for the same reward. With an average finish of 10th, he’s one of the best in Phoenix; and that may be all he needs to win it.
Wins at Phoenix: 1
Top five finishes: 5
Top ten finishes: 8
Ross Chastain
I have a sneaking suspicion that this guy has a corner on the winning market this season. Ross Chastain just might cap off this stellar season with a win in Phoenix. I mean, if you take into account everything he has done, it stands to reason that he’d take on the whole field and leave them in the dust. He finished second here in March and I bet he’ll finish one spot better than that on Sunday. Even if he has to drive over the top of every other car on the track to do it.
Wins at Phoenix: 0
Top five finishes: 1
Top ten finishes: 1
Joey Logano
Out of the blue, Joey Logano started winning. And out of the blue, here he is in the final four of the best drivers of the 2022 season. I love Joey’s numbers and experience here, but he does have four DNFs. However, 15 top tens are hard to argue with, as is the grit and determination of the 22 and his team.
Wins at Phoenix: 2
Top five finishes: 7
Top ten finishes: 15
Christopher Bell
I don’t know if it’s possible for Christopher Bell to pull off another upset. But the possibility does indeed exist, and so he rests here in my bold fantasy lineup. His average finish in Phoenix is 17th, so the odds are hard-core against him. But in the past, that’s when he’s come out swinging. I’m sure that the 20 will make a real run for it so even if he doesn’t win, he’ll likely finish in the top 10.
Wins at Phoenix: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 2
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
The Ones Who Know This Track
Kyle Busch
Kyle Bush has had a rough season, and I bet that he simply cannot wait to get into his new car with his new team next year. But I also think that he wants to go out on a high note, and this is a good place for him to do it. Especially if he can grab the limelight and win a race that means much more to the guys behind him. Keep an eye on the 18 in its last M&M MARS run in Phoenix.
Wins at Phoenix: 3
Top five finishes: 12
Top ten finishes: 24
Kevin Harvick
I’m not going to leave Kevin Harvick out of the running in Phoenix. He’s going to finish in the top ten. He just will. The last bad finish? 2011. Yep. Expect him to finish well, and you might even see him finish first if he’s feeling salty. It sure will be a nice way to end his season.
Wins at Phoenix: 9
Top five finishes: 18
Top ten finishes: 28
Denny Hamlin
I feel like Denny Hamlin left a lot on the table last week, and I think he’s nervy enough to take a win regardless of who else is up there trying to get it. Especially if it’s the No. 1 car. But, you’ll probably see the 11, 19, and 18 up front trying to support their teammate all day because a win for Bell means a win for Gibbs, and that’s what teamwork is all about.
Wins at Phoenix: 2
Top five finishes: 16
Top ten finishes: 20
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
Everyone else. This is going to be a very close race, with the final four forcing themselves into every possible position to gain the Championship title. And most of the other drivers are going to stay out of the way when they can. But these guys have never found Phoenix to be welcoming.
Alex Bowman
Welcome Back, Bowman. Fresh back in the car to finish out the season after five races on the sidelines, don’t expect much out of the 48 on Sunday. This guy is lucky to be behind the wheel again, and he’s gonna take it slow as he readjusts to track life.
Wins at Phoenix: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 1
Michael McDowell
It was a decent season for Michael McDowell, but Phoenix has never been a strong track for this driver and team. He has seven DNFs here to date, and very little positive results to show for his efforts. Look ahead to 2023 and the Daytona 500 before you set your sights on the number 34 again.
Wins at Phoenix: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 0
Austin Dillon
And as the season rolls to a close, Austin Dillon will look ahead to the 2023 season with the hopes and dreams that all drivers have when February rolls around. He leaves on a track that has been unkind to him many times, and that’s why I suggest leaving him out of your final NASCAR fantasy lineup.
Wins at Phoenix: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 2
