Though I did not predict a winner last week, several of my picks were in contention at points during the race. It was a crazy race from the get-go, and the rescheduling from night to morning, then an hours-long weather delay didn’t help matters. Superspeedway racing is always a crapshoot, but couple it with a season-defining moment and you get utter chaos.
I am happy to report that the playoff lineup is set. I’m shocked that Martin Truex Jr. will miss out, amazed that Austin Dillon hung on and slid in at the very last minute, and very much looking forward to the next 10 weeks as we race through the chase.
Behold your Championship-bound, Round of 16 NASCAR playoff drivers for the 2022 season:
Chase Elliott
Kyle Larson
William Byron
Alex Bowman
Denny Hamlin
Christopher Bell
Kyle Busch
Ryan Blaney
Joey Logano
Austin Cindric
Kevin Harvick
Chase Briscoe
Daniel Suárez
Ross Chastain
Tyler Reddick
Austin Dillon
NASCAR heads to the track too tough to tame this Sunday night. It’s the first opportunity for a driver to punch his ticket to the next round and ride comfortably for the following two weeks. Keep your eyes on these Brilliant, Bold, and Bonkers NASCAR fantasy picks for the Cook Out Southern 500 at Darlington Raceway.
Brilliant – These expert fantasy picks for NASCAR have the best shot at a win this weekend
Kevin Harvick
There is no one more impressive in Darlington than Number 4. You have to go back to 2012 to find the last time he finished higher than single-digits here. Even if he doesn’t win, Kevin Harvick is gonna give you points in the end.
Wins at Darlington: 3
Top five finishes: 13
Top ten finishes: 18
Joey Logano
The heat is on, and Joey Logano is basking in it. One of the only premier drivers to make it to the finish of the chaotic Daytona race last weekend, he’s showing his talent at the right time. Don’t blink or the 22 just might pass you by in Darlington.
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top five finishes: 5
Top ten finishes: 9
Denny Hamlin
Despite the fact that Denny Hamlin will sit out the Xfinity race at Darlington this week, he’s still going to run the Cook Out 500. His record here is impeccable; with so many stage points, laps led, and average finishes, I cannot leave him off the expert NASCAR fantasy list. He’s likely to finish well, win or not.
Wins at Darlington: 4
Top five finishes: 11
Top ten finishes: 15
Bold – Here’s my NASCAR fantasy advice on this week’s sleeper picks
Erik Jones
He may not be in the playoffs, but Erik Jones still wants a win this season. He’s solid at this track, and the way he’s been running lately, I won’t be surprised if he sneaks up and snatches the win away from someone else before the end of the night.
Wins at Darlington: 1
Top five finishes: 4
Top ten finishes: 6
Tyler Reddick
Pay no attention to the way he ran here before this season. 2022 has opened new doors for Tyler Reddick, and he might drive straight through one at Darlington. Either way, he’s gonna run hard, and he might even rack up some stage points to tuck away for later.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top five finishes: 1
Top ten finishes: 2
Kyle Larson
Kyle Larson not only racks up the stage wins in Darlington, but he also racks up the lead laps. He’s never won here at the “track too tough to tame,” but he’s been super close with three second-place finishes in a row under his belt. Stick him in your NASCAR fantasy lineup this week—you won’t be disappointed.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top five finishes: 5
Top ten finishes: 7
Bonkers – Stay away from these drivers in your NASCAR fantasy racing lineup this week
William Byron
I’m not all-in on William Byron this week. Two DNFs and only two finishes inside of tenth place give me pause. Best to skip the Number 24 for another week; I think there are too many aggressive drivers who will mow him down in a heartbeat.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top five finishes: 2
Top ten finishes: 2
Ryan Blaney
Poor Ryan Blaney. So many points this season, but no number-ones. Yet, he squeaked by in the end and bested Number 19 to get into the playoffs at the last minute. But how long will he stay here? Darlington won’t do him any favors; it’s one of his worst tracks. Hold off until we get to a better place for the 12.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 1
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
The 47 has never even finished top-10 in a stage here. Last spring, he came in eighth in the final, but a lot has changed since then. Keep Ricky Stenhouse Jr. out of your fantasy lineup until Talladega.
Wins at Darlington: 0
Top five finishes: 0
Top ten finishes: 1
