DraftKings Fantasy NASCAR picks: Martinsville playoff race

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.

Last race’s results: Did not play in Talladega due to Alabama state law.

Season results: $97 wagered, $104.50 won in 25 contests.

This week’s contest: $5 Fall Festival contest (single entry).

Martinsville picks: 

— Martin Truex Jr. ($11,200): It’s all about laps led today — they will make or break your team — and it’s likely Truex will be successful in that department since he starts second and has the No. 1 pit stall.

— Brad Keselowski ($9,600): I was prepared to go with Jimmie Johnson ($9,800) in this spot, but it’s looking like he’ll have to make a change after spinning in qualifying. Keselowski starts seventh and should be a contender all day.

— Joey Logano ($9,000): Picking the pole-sitter because you need a hammer and it’s likely he’s going to lead laps early in the race. Take the points.

— Ryan Newman ($7,400): I almost picked Jamie McMurray ($8,500) here, but if you’re looking for a mid-range driver who is going to manhandle his car up through the field today, Newman might be your guy. He starts 18th but had the seventh-best 10-lap average in final practice. Newman has three top-10s in the last four races here.

— AJ Allmendinger ($6,000): He’s had speed all weekend. Aric Almirola ($5,900) is intriguing because he qualified 10th, but I’d rather take the points differential possibility with Allmendinger. He qualified a disappointing 27th, but that’s good for fantasy players based on his good speed all weekend. ‘Dinger had the sixth-fastest 10-lap average in final practice and he comes at a very affordable price.

— Michael McDowell ($5,800): I thought about going with Trevor Bayne ($6,400) in this spot since he starts 34th. But McDowell is super cheap and offers a top-20 finish opportunity after qualifying 20th.