X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

NASCAR DFS: Building an Optimal Lineup For Sunday's Quaker Stake 400 at Kentucky

Over the years, Kentucky Speedway has favored some drivers more than others. Last year, the first race at the 1.5-mile track with the current aerodynamic package, was a snoozer until the final restart, when the Busch brothers battled it out on a two-lap dash.

That's not surprising for Kentucky. Unfortunately, it's been criticized over the years for not being a track that's easy to pass at. Take Thursday's Xfinity Series race for example, Ross Chastain said post-race the track is "terrible."

But even with the lack of passing, there's still points on the line. Sunday's race is scheduled for 267 laps, meaning there's 66.75 points on the line for laps led and 133.5 for quick laps. Track position will be king, like the past three races of the season, so let's see who you should have in your lineup.

Featured Promo: Get any DFS Premium Bundle for for 10% off using code BALLER! Win more with expert advice from proven winners and exclusive DFS tools. Get instant access to RotoBaller's Lineup Optimizers, Research Stations, daily picks and VIP chat rooms across 10 sports! Go Premium, Win More!

 

My DFS Lineup - Quaker Stake 400

 

Kyle Busch ($10,100)

Career at Kentucky: 9 starts. 2 wins, 621 laps led
Average finish at Kentucky: 4.7

If you would have told me Busch -- the defending Cup Series champion -- wouldn't have a single playoff point through the opening 16 races of the 2020 season, I would have looked at you like you were crazy. Turns out, though, you'd be right.

The season has not gone well for Busch. Sure, the No. 18 team has nine top-10 finishes, but has not shown the sheer speed that Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Denny Hamlin has, scoring four victories.

You can throw those 2020 lackluster numbers out the window when NASCAR enters the Bluegrass State. Busch has been the best driver ever at Kentucky Speedway: two victories, seven top fives (most in track history), eight top-10 finishes (most in track history) and 621 laps led (most in track history). Starting from the pole at a venue where track position is kind, surely, the No. 18 will lead some laps on Sunday.

 

Brad Keselowski ($9,000)

Career at Kentucky: 9 starts, 3 wins, 524 laps led
Average finish at Kentucky: 12.3

Quietly, Keselowski is having a really solid season. The No. 2 Ford has 11 top-10 finishes through the opening 16 races, scoring two victories. And at Kentucky, the Michigan native has been lights out.

As mentioned above, Busch holds many of the track's records, but Keselowski has the most wins with three. It has been feast or famine at the track, though, as the No. 2 car has finishes of 20th and 39th in two out of the three races at the track.

With Keselowski starting the 400-mile race from sixth at one of his best racetracks on the circuit, he's surely worth the price and probably undervalued.

 

William Byron ($8,600)

Career at Kentucky: 2 starts, 0 wins, 0 laps led
Average finish at Kentucky: 19.0

If you've been following these articles for the past month or so, you know I've chosen Byron quite a bit. Why? Because one of these races the No. 24 team is going to put it together and have a standout run.

With Byron, there's not much of a track record to work with at Kentucky, after all, Sunday will be just his third start at the track. In the scoring column, he finished 18th last season, can't change that. However, he was running on the front row late when the No. 24 jumped the restart, having to make a drive through penalty.

Track position is everything and Chad Knaus has proved since joining Byron last year he will strategically get the No. 24 to get to the front; take last weekend for instance, winning the opening stage at Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With a 21st-place starting position there's room to work with, so put Byron on your team.

 

Did you know RotoBaller has a Premium DFS NASCAR subscription?

Get winning DFS Lineup advice with RotoBaller's Premium DFS NASCAR Subscription, and use promo code RACING to get 10% off. You'll get access to our Lineup Optimizer, Research Station, and Premium Content that is proven to help our experts and subscribers take down tournaments.

 

Erik Jones ($8,400)

Career at Kentucky: 3 starts, o wins, 1 lap led
Average finish at Kentucky: 5.3

Aside from Darlington Raceway, Kentucky has been the best circuit on the Cup schedule for Jones. Expect that to continue this weekend.

The 2020 season has had highs and lows for the No. 20 team, including last week, blowing a right front tire and taking a heavy lick to the outside wall. Sitting six points outside the cutline for the playoffs is not a good look, but it was around this time last year Jones got hot at some of his best tracks.

Since entering the Cup level in 2017, Jones has a worst finish of seventh at Kentucky. Had the Busch brothers raced each other just a tad harder last season, the No. 20 car was in the catbird seat to score the victory, finishing third. With a 16th-place starting position in JGR equipment, expect this driver to move up the scoring pylon.

 

Tyler Reddick ($8,200)

Career at Kentucky: 0 starts, 0 wins, 0 laps led
Average finish at Kentucky: N/A

As a rookie, Reddick has had to tackle these tracks for the first time this season. Unfortunately, for him, when thinking of Kentucky, it doesn't suit his driving style, rim-riding against the wall.

However, Reddick has proved this season he's been able to adapt. He's coming off an eighth-place finish last week at Indy, another tricky, flat track. Currently, the No. 8 team sits on the bubble in terms of making the playoffs, so Reddick's going to need to be balls to the wall over the final 10 races of the regular season.

Beginning the race in 24th, Reddick is an easy pick for the lineup this week. Expect him to surprise people with another solid run this season.

 

Michael McDowell ($5,700)

Career at Kentucky: 6 starts, 0 wins, 0 laps led
Average finish at Kentucky: 31.5

Remember when I said hold the phone on McDowell's average finish at Indy last weekend and he scored a career-best finish of seventh on a non-superspeedway? Listen to me again, put the No. 34 car on your lineup this weekend. Now.

McDowell is in the midst of his best season of the Cup level, and seemingly getting better as the season goes on. His team, Front Row Motorsports, is also having its best season since entering Cup, despite scoring two previous victories (2013 and 2016). Aside from an early incident in the second race at Pocono Raceway, the No. 34 team has 13 top-25 finishes in the last 14 races. Why is that important? McDowell also has a streak of three straight top 25s at Kentucky.

But 25th isn't good, right? It's decent for a small team like FRM, but with this year's numbers, it's a disappointment for the team. Expect McDowell to get a top 20 this weekend, as he has done in five of the past six races, including four top 15s. His 30th-place starting position gives optimism for additional points, too.


NASCAR DFS News and Driver Outlooks


More Fantasy NASCAR Analysis



The Keys to Weekly NASCAR DFS Success

NASCAR is back, and it's time for you to win more with RotoBaller!
Our DFS NASCAR Premium Package features several heavy hitters and proven winners.

Jordan McAbee anchors the team with his exclusive NASCAR picks, DFS projections and algorithm-predicted finishing order! In 2022 DFS contests, Jordan had a +33.92% profit margin good for +$10,467.06 profit and qualified for the Fantasy Racing World Championship.

Four-time NASCAR Racing Writer of the Year finalist and fantasy industry legend Scott "The King" Engel is also in the crew, bringing you his weekly strategies and lineup picks. Set your winning DFS lineups with our award-winning team.

POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kenyon Martin Jr.13 mins ago

Makes Early Exit Due To Sore Foot
Marvin Bagley III24 mins ago

Suffers Apparent Knee Injury
Bub Carrington35 mins ago

Exits Early Monday
Alex Caruso42 mins ago

Hurt In Monday's Win
D'Angelo Russell52 mins ago

Injured In Monday's Loss
Jayson Tatum1 hour ago

Misses Monday's Action With An Illness
Adin Hill2 hours ago

Sharp In Monday's Victory
Jiri Kulich2 hours ago

Posts First Three-Point Outing Of The Season
Jonas Johansson3 hours ago

Stops 36 Shots In Victory
Dylan Holloway3 hours ago

Scores First Career Hat Trick
Jack Hughes3 hours ago

Scores Twice In Monday's Victory
Sidney Crosby3 hours ago

Ties Team Record With Four-Point Showing
Josh Jacobs11 hours ago

Scores Again, Tallies 107 Total Yards In Week 16 Victory
Christian Watson12 hours ago

Questionable To Return On Monday Night With Knee Injury
Anthony Davis12 hours ago

Will Play Against Pistons
LeBron James12 hours ago

Active Against Pistons
Dario Saric13 hours ago

Available On Monday
Draymond Green13 hours ago

Ready To Go Monday
Isaac Guerendo13 hours ago

Expected To Practice On Thursday
Ben Sheppard13 hours ago

Upgraded To Available
Gary Payton II13 hours ago

Misses First Game Of The Season
Kyler Murray13 hours ago

Cardinals Won't Rest Kyler Murray In Final Two Games
Moses Moody13 hours ago

Available For Monday's Game
Jamal Murray14 hours ago

Out On Monday
Nelson Agholor14 hours ago

Zay Flowers, Nelson Agholor Listed As DNPs On Monday
Dalano Banton14 hours ago

Returns From Two-Game Absence
San Francisco 49ers14 hours ago

Trent Williams Won't Return For Final Two Games
Robert Williams III14 hours ago

Sits Out Monday's Game
Ivica Zubac15 hours ago

Active Versus Grizzlies
Kenneth Walker III15 hours ago

Listed As DNP On Monday
Marcus Smart15 hours ago

Unavailable Monday
Ja Morant15 hours ago

Back In Grizzlies Lineup
Desmond Bane15 hours ago

Good To Go Monday
RJ Barrett15 hours ago

Returns To Action Monday
Jake Neighbours16 hours ago

Good To Go Versus Red Wings
Filip Gustavsson16 hours ago

Returns To Work Monday
Sean Couturier17 hours ago

Back For Battle Of Pennsylvania
Jake Walman17 hours ago

Unavailable Monday
Zach Werenski17 hours ago

Questionable For Monday's Action
Ivan Barbashev17 hours ago

Nicolas Roy Remain Out Monday
Leo Carlsson17 hours ago

Not Expected To Play On Monday
Diontae Johnson18 hours ago

Texans Claim Diontae Johnson Off Waivers From Ravens
Zach Charbonnet18 hours ago

Should Be Full-Go For Thursday
David Njoku18 hours ago

Undergoing MRI On His Knee
George Pickens18 hours ago

Expected To Play On Christmas Day
Jalen Hurts18 hours ago

In Concussion Protocol
J.K. Dobbins19 hours ago

Chargers Opening J.K. Dobbins' Practice Window
Patrick Mahomes19 hours ago

Thinks His Ankle Will Be Better Off In Week 17
Andrew McCutchen20 hours ago

Re-Signs With Pirates
Walker Buehler20 hours ago

Red Sox Agree On One-Year Deal
Tank Dell20 hours ago

Tears ACL, Out For Remainder Of Season
Garrett Wilson22 hours ago

Wants To Be More Involved
Tyrone Tracy Jr.22 hours ago

Aggravates Ankle Injury In Week 16
Josh Allen22 hours ago

Says His Arm Is Fine
De'Von Achane24 hours ago

Dominant In Week 16 Victory
Sean Manaea1 day ago

Returns To Mets On Three-Year Deal
Joc Pederson1 day ago

Agrees To Contract With Texas
Aliaksei Protas1 day ago

Scores Twice On Sunday
Clayton Keller1 day ago

Tallies Four Points On Sunday
Linus Ullmark1 day ago

Leaves Sunday's Game With Upper-Body Injury
Zach Hyman1 day ago

Extends Goal Streak To Six Games
Mikko Rantanen1 day ago

Tallies Two Helpers, Extends Point Streak To Nine Games
Kaapo Kakko1 day ago

Scores First Goal With Seattle
Drake Maye1 day ago

Shows Flashes In Two-Touchdown Effort
CeeDee Lamb1 day ago

Eclipses Triple-Digit Yardage Sunday
Nathaniel Lowe2 days ago

Traded To Washington
Linus Ullmark2 days ago

Red-Hot Ahead Of Meeting With Oilers
Pyotr Kochetkov2 days ago

Achieves Rare Feat In Sunday's Win
Jesús Luzardo2 days ago

Phillies Acquire Jesus Luzardo From Miami
Alex Bregman3 days ago

Mets Showing Interest In Alex Bregman
Carlos Santana3 days ago

Inks One-Year Contract With Cleveland
Josh Naylor3 days ago

Traded To Arizona
Paul Goldschmidt3 days ago

Agrees With Yankees On One-Year Deal
Chicago Cubs4 days ago

Roki Sasaki Meets With Cubs
Christian Walker4 days ago

Agrees To Three-Year Deal With Astros
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.4 days ago

Extension Remains In Play For Toronto
New York Mets5 days ago

Roki Sasaki Meets With Mets On Thursday
Max Kepler5 days ago

Phillies Sign Max Kepler To One-Year Deal
Marcus Semien5 days ago

Rangers Could Look To Rest Marcus Semien More
Jesús Luzardo5 days ago

Cubs Trade Talks For Jesus Luzardo Are "Dead"
Josh Naylor5 days ago

Mentioned In Trade Talks With Mariners
Nolan Arenado6 days ago

Blocks Trade To Astros
Devin Williams6 days ago

Yankees Name Devin Williams As The Closer

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Tyreek Hill - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Fantasy Football Playoff Rankings for Week 17 (QB, RB, WR, TE, DST) - Cooper Kupp, Joe Mixon, Courtland Sutton, Davante Adams, Tony Pollard, Tyreek Hill

If your fantasy team is still alive in Week 17, you have a great team and have nailed your lineup calls. However, be sure to use our half-PPR fantasy football rankings for Week 17 of the 2024 NFL season to double-check your key start-or-sit calls. It's time to take home your league's crown! As always, […]


DJ Moore - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Week 17 Fantasy Football FLEX Rankings (RB, WR, TE) for Half-PPR: Marquise Brown, Rico Dowdle, D'Andre Swift, Chuba Hubbard, Trey Benson, DJ Moore

It's do-or-die time, and just one win stands between you and a fantasy football championship. If you need assistance this week, use our Week 17 fantasy football FLEX rankings for 2024 and set your winning lineups. Your team is obviously strong if you make it to this point, so it's not time to overthink or […]


Bucky Irving - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Week 17 Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings for Half-PPR: Bucky Irving, Chase Brown, James Conner, Tyjae Spears, Rico Dowdle, Gus Edwards

The 2024 fantasy football season is set to wrap up with exciting championship matchups. Be sure not to overthink and panic about your lineup decisions. Instead, treat it like any other week. Today we will go over our NFL team's updated Week 17 fantasy football running back rankings for 2024. Let's see where key players […]


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL injury News

Week 17 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings for Half-PPR: George Pickens, Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy, Jauan Jennings, Calvin Ridley

The time has come. You have made it to the fantasy football championship, and no one wants to take home second place. That said, our Week 17 fantasy football wide receiver rankings for 2024 are here to help you make those tough start/sit decisions. With no teams on a bye, options are plentiful, but it's […]


Dalton Schultz - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Picks

Week 17 Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings for Half-PPR: Travis Kelce, Jonnu Smith, T.J. Hockenson, Dalton Schultz, Tucker Kraft, Chig Okonkwo

Tight ends always present headaches when making lineup decisions, especially when fantasy football championships are on the line. We're here to assist with our Week 17 fantasy football tight end rankings for 2024. Let's go get the championship trophy! Ahead of the 17th slate of 2024, let's take a look at where key tight ends […]


Jordan Love - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Week 17 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings: Jalen Hurts, Baker Mayfield, Jordan Love, Bo Nix, Anthony Richardson, Matthew Stafford, Bryce Young

The 2024 fantasy football season has been a grind, and if you're still alive in the playoff race, it means you're set to play for a championship. We're here to help you set optimal lineups with our NFL team's Week 17 fantasy football quarterback rankings for 2024. Let's waste no more time digging into the […]


Baker Mayfield - Fantasy Football Rankings, Waiver Wire Pickups, Draft Sleepers

2024 Fantasy Football Rankings (Weekly Rankings)

Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.


Video: Week 17 Must-Start Defense (D/ST) Streamers - 2024 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Analysis

It's championship week in the vast majority of fantasy leagues, which means if you are reading this, you are still in the fight. Congratulations and good luck! Check out our top 2024 fantasy football must-start Defenses (D/ST) for Week 17 and be prepared to dominate your playoff matchup! LaQuan Jones discusses his top "Must Start" […]


Dolphins Defense D/ST Streamers, Rankings, Waiver Wire - Bradley Chubb Fantasy Football IDP

IDP Waiver Wire Pickups and Streamers for Week 17 (2024)

In Week 16, Kenny Moore made two interceptions, Taron Johnson and Marlon Humphrey both had a pick-six, and Joseph Ossai, one of my waiver-wire picks, was one of four Bengals to make a sack against the Cleveland Browns. In Week 17, I have more players who are sure to sack Browns QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson on […]


Tyjae Spears - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Running Back Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 17: Tyjae Spears, Trey Benson, Michael Carter, Audric Estime, Kareem Hunt, Ameer Abdullah

Congratulations to those of you who are constructing rosters in Week 17. You have maintained your highest level of flexibility while navigating through injuries, bye weeks, production-inhibiting coaching decisions, and other unwanted developments that emerged during the season. Now your diligence has placed you at the threshold of capturing your league's championship. Winning your league […]


Calvin Austin - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Wide Receiver Waiver Wire Pickups - Top Fantasy Football WR Adds for Week 17 Include Hollywood Brown, Calvin Austin, Olamide Zaccheaus, more

This is it. Unless you're in some weird league that plays in Week 18, this upcoming week is the finals for your fantasy league. If you're still alive, it's you against one other person for the fantasy championship. With this week being the final chance for you, we're narrowing the focus of our wide receiver […]


NFL DFS Lineup Picks For FanDuel, DraftKings - Ravens vs. Texans Christmas Day Showdown (Week 17)

Merry Christmas, RotoBallers! We have a banger of a Christmas slate as the teams that just played Saturday night switch up their matchups, and this one is a big one. The AFC North is still up for grabs, making this a huge one for the Baltimore Ravens (10-5) as they take on the Houston Texans […]


Kareem Hunt - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Week 17 Waiver Wire Rankings (2024) - Fantasy Football Pickups Include Kareem Hunt, Tyjae Spears, Patrick Taylor Jr., Jalen McMillan, Dalton Schultz

Fantasy championship week is finally here, the moment fantasy managers have grinded all season to get to. At RotoBaller HQ, we have worked hard all season to help you prepare for this week, and we are back with our Week 17 fantasy football waiver wire rankings for 2024 to help secure a fantasy championship. Use […]