Talladega weekend has come and gone and for many it was an unforgettable weekend.
Last week I mentioned Chase Elliott as a sleeper in this series and as it turned out he took home the victory at the Geico 500. I'm not saying my sleeper picks are hot to watch but I have picked the winner of the last two races here (Shooter McGavin Hands at you).
The race itself was one of the best I've seen in years. It was tough to predict what would happen with all the changes but now we know a little more of what to expect when the drivers head back to Daytona in July.
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What We Learned at Talladega
- Kyle Larson is a total avoid now until he finishes a couple of races.
- Chevrolet is sexy with the new package at Super Speedways.
- Ryan Newman is on the up and up.
- Don't go with the usual suspects in a lineup when major changes happen.
DFS Sleepers - Gander RV 400
Austin Dillon
Austin Dillon was just hit with a penalty for having the wrong size spoiler at Talladega and the penalty dropped him 10 points in the Cup chase. I don't see Dillon and the Richard Childress Racing team laying quietly after the type of races they've had so far. Dillon has fire in his eyes and i'm looking for him to take that frustration out on the racetrack this weekend at Dover. His record isn't strong at this track but I'm seeing a ton of potential in him this year along with the other RCR drivers.
Chris Buescher
When looking at intermediate tracks one name stands out that been a pretty good value so far this year. That man is Chris Buescher. Buescher finished 16th at ISM in Phoenix this year along with a Top 10 in Atlanta. Buescher is a great play if you're looking to maximize with big name drivers this weekend.
Ryan Blaney
The only winless Penske driver this season is being patient (or at least showing patience). We all know that when it comes to patience it can sometimes wear thin and I think we;re going to see that in Blaney this weekend. Although this isn't Blaney's strongest track I could easily see him making a push for the win on Sunday with the emotional build up and weight on his shoulders. Last May, Blaney bagged a Top 10 here and I'm betting on a repeat or better for Sunday.
DFS Avoids - Gander RV 400
Aric Almirola
Aric Almirola has slowly been falling off the radar for me this year along with the struggles Stewart-Haas Racing has had to get a win this season. Even though he was the only SHR car to bag a Top 10 at Talladega, I'll be parking him due to mediocre performances at Dover International Speedway. Almirola finished two spots behind where he started the last time he raced here and hasn't been able (but has come close) to bag a Top 10 since he started with SHR. I'm just not feeling it this week with Almirola.
Matt DiBenedetto
DiBenedetto is a big up and coming driver in my book, but ill be passing on him this week. Intermediate tracks have proven not to be too kind to him in 2019 and even though hes always a good value play I would rather go with my gut and stay clear from him. DiBenedetto has never finished inside the Top 20 at Dover in his career.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr
Stenhouse had some tough luck at Talladega last Sunday. Stenhouse has just been an up and down driver this year and it's hard to determine when and where he'll be good. When I view Stenhouse I think of him as the cocky aggressive driver that should rock a mullet at all times. That doesn't have much to do with his fantasy value but him performing better in the fall than the spring is a definite factor. The only Top 10 Stenhouse ever had here was last fall and when the sun is hot he can't even crack the Top 10. Stenhouse needs shade to do well here, so throw him the shade this week and leave him out of your lineup.
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