DraftKings Fantasy NASCAR picks: 2018 Daytona Clash

I’m playing DraftKings this season and will be posting my picks here each week. Disclosure: If you want to play and sign up using this link, DraftKings will give my website a commission. Note: I am not an employee of
DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information…these are just my personal picks.

Last season’s results: $110 wagered, $104.50 won in 27 contests.

This week’s contest: $3 Hot Rod game (three entry max)

Clash strategy: With so few laps, there’s a premium on drivers who start toward the back of the 17-driver field. Go for position differential. That’s why most of my picks start outside the top 10.

Clash picks: 

— Brad Keselowski ($9,500): Maybe the best plate racer in the field AND he starts last? Yes, please.

— Kyle Busch ($8,800): Starts 13th and should finish in the top five if all goes well.

— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. ($7,400): A bit of a risk starting so high (eighth), but he clearly knows what he’s doing on plate tracks (won the July race here as well as Talladega spring race) and the Fords draft well.

— Ryan Blaney ($7,100): Again, the Fords draft well and he starts 15th out of 17 drivers. Easy call.

— Kurt Busch ($6,400): Defending Daytona 500 winners starts 14th and should move up. Take those positions for the points.

— Jamie McMurray ($6,200): Starts second-to-last and has four career plate wins (two at Daytona). Take him!