NASCAR Fantasy Rankings: DFS Picks on DraftKings for NASCAR Cup Series Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega
The NASCAR season is heating up, and DraftKings is revving up its fantasy NASCAR contests. But here's where it gets controversial...
As the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega approaches, fantasy NASCAR drivers are strategizing for the big race. Pearce Dietrich, a NASCAR expert, offers his insights and rankings for the top drivers. Let's dive into the details and explore the potential winners and surprises.
Ryan Blaney ($10,500): Blaney's recent crash at Las Vegas has shifted the odds, making him a long shot. However, Talladega and Martinsville are his forte, and he needs a top-5 finish to stay in the game. The challenge? Most playoff drivers excel at these tracks, making it a tough competition.
Denny Hamlin ($9,100): Hamlin, focused on the championship at Phoenix, has the momentum after winning the crucial opening race of the Round of 8. His win at Las Vegas gives him an advantage, and he can afford to be aggressive at Talladega.
William Byron ($10,000): Byron is on the brink, just 15 points behind. With stage points and wrecks impacting contenders, he could rise to second place by Sunday. The concern? Racing for stage points at a super speedway can be risky.
See AlsoTalladega Playoff Weekend 2025: Full Schedule, TV Info, Weather & NASCAR PredictionsDale Earnhardt Jr's Emotional Journey: DEI Photos Spark Nostalgia and FrustrationDirt to Glory: Chase Briscoe's NASCAR Journey and the Power of Dirt RacingiRacing Weekly Recap: October 7-13, 2025 - NASCAR, Dirt Racing, and More!Joey Logano ($10,200): Logano's 24-point deficit is manageable, especially with Talladega being a Round of 8 race. Any of the remaining drivers could crash, and at least three are likely to DNF. Logano just needs to finish, which is achievable for a Team Penske Ford at a super speedway.
Chase Elliott ($9,800): The strategy for the No. 9 Hendrick Chevy is simple: avoid wrecks and win. Elliott has a shot at the championship, but it's a tough path. His best chance is a Talladega win.
Kyle Larson ($9,500): Larson's 35-point lead is a cushion, but it could vanish in an instant. He lacks luck at super speedways, and a top-10 finish is crucial for him at Talladega.
Christopher Bell ($9,000): Bell has had a tough time at Talladega, and he needs an uneventful day. A top-20 finish is his goal, and he might run passively, hoping for a win if others crash.
Chase Briscoe ($7,900): With Hamlin in and Ty Gibbs out, JGR could protect Briscoe at Talladega. Briscoe isn't the best plate racer, but a little help could make a big difference.
Justin Haley ($6,500): Haley, a Spire Motorsports driver, has proven his skills at super speedways with Xfinity and Cup Series wins. He finished seventh in two of the last three races at Talladega.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ($8,500): Stenhouse is a super speedway specialist, with top-10 finishes in four of the last five races at Atlanta. His consistency makes him a strong pick.
Noah Gragson ($6,400): Gragson, a super speedway veteran, has won multiple plate races in the Xfinity Series. He's yet to win a Cup Series plate race but has impressive finishes with inferior equipment. Front Row Motorsports has a strong plate-track program, and Gragson finished sixth at Talladega in the spring.
Erik Jones ($6,300): Jones has a strong record at Talladega, with seven top-10 finishes in the last 10 races. His consistency makes him a reliable pick.
Chris Buescher ($8,000): Buescher's success at Daytona doesn't guarantee success at Talladega. It's a matter of luck, and his performance at one track doesn't guarantee the other.
Cody Ware ($5,300): With sub-6K options available, Ware could be an optimal pick with his assumed starting position at the back of the field. He finished 13th at Atlanta and 20th at Daytona.
Austin Dillon ($7,000): Dillon has had 13 top-20 finishes in the last 20 races at Talladega. While it's not impressive, it's consistent, and spreadsheets and results drive ownership. Dillon has the potential for a top-5 finish.
And this is the part most people miss...
The key to success in fantasy NASCAR is understanding the track dynamics and the drivers' strengths. While some drivers excel at specific tracks, others struggle. The strategy is to identify the underdogs and the potential surprises, and with the right picks, you could be in for a thrilling ride at the Jack Link’s 500 at Talladega.
What do you think? Agree or disagree? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
