NASCAR DFS Picks for the Daytona 500 on February 14, 2020

First off, I just want to say that the 2020 NASCAR Series was an exceptional combination of thrill, entertainment, and excitement. We saw Chase Elliot’s rise from being the sport’s most popular driver in 2018, 2019, and 2020 to NASCAR Cup Series Champion. The end of some Hall of Fame careers with Jimmie Johnson and Clint Bowyer retiring and moving on to the next steps in their lives. And finally, what seems like a changing of the guard as NASCAR welcomes a new set of elite drivers to the series. 

With NASCAR, finally, back we move to the Annual Daytona 500, which every year welcomes the sport back with a bang. Last year’s winner Denny Hamlin will look to bounce back from his less than adequate finish to the 2020 season where he only placed top five in three of the last 10 races.

Below is a lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on 02/14/2021 (DraftKings Values)

Below is a lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on 02/14/2021 (Fanduel Values)

Ryan Blaney: After finishing second in the Daytona 500 in 2020, look for Ryan Blaney to come out with a chip on his shoulder this coming Sunday. Blaney had every chance to win that day and I believe will come out with a fast car. Blaney has been the most successful driver at Talladega the last three years and that success will translate to a strong showing at Daytona this week. Between the two tracks, Blaney has won two races, has claimed three top-five finishes, five top 10 finishes, and has led a series of second 255 laps. Blaney is a guy that if you can squeeze him into your lineup this week you should. 

Kyle Larson: In his first official race in almost a year Kyle Larson is back with a new ride in 2021. Now Larson has not been excellent at Superspeedways the last three years. With only two top-ten finishes in nine races, Larson has a lot to prove. However, I think Larson comes out of the gate hot this year as he tries to prove that he is a changed person. He is a talented driver and I think we will see that talent this weekend. 

Chase Briscoe: As one of the rookies that I am most excited about I see Chase Briscoe showing up big out of the gate for his first Cup Series race. Briscoe has raced Daytona four times in the Xfinity Series where he has two top-five finishes and has led 27 laps. Coming fresh off of his career year in the Xfinity Series where Briscoe had a series-best nine wins. Chase will be a lock-in consideration for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year award and could very well be in the mix for a playoff spot in 2021. Look for him to have a good race this weekend.

 Below is a lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on 02/14/2021 (DraftKings Values)

Below is a lineup that we believe can provide the best value for the Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on 02/14/2021 (Fanduel Values)

Denny Hamlin: Last year’s winner and three-time Daytona 500 champion Denny Hamlin comes into this race as my favorite to win. Hamlin has always been a fast starter on the year. You can always count on Hamlin to secure his playoff spot early. In 12 races since the start of the 2018 season, Hamlin has won two times, finished top-five four times, and led a series most 145 laps. Hamlin is not a value pick this week as he is the most expensive but we know how valuable it is to have the winning driver. Why not have Hamlin this week. 

Bubba Wallace: As more of a dark horse pick I like Bubba Wallace this week as a guy with a lot of point differential potential. I would expect Wallace to start near the back of the pack. With his new team and new ride with 23XL Racing, Wallace will have more money put into his car that should show dividends right away. Wallace has two top-five finishes at Daytona, which is promising. 

Ryan Newman: Following the drivers named Ryan trend so far, this week is last year’s big story from the Daytona 500. In the Daytona 500 last year Ryan Newman was right in the mix on the final two laps and had the lead before contact with Ryan Blaney put an end to Newman’s day. In his career, Newman has been among the best to drive at Daytona where he has one win, six top-five finishes, 12 top 10 finishes, and has led 119 laps. Newman ended up finishing the 2020 race in seventh, if he had not have wrecked he was lined up for at worst a top-three finish. I like Newman this week and at his $ 7,000 price this week he provides significant value. A pick like Newman this week gives you the flexibility to get some bigger names into your lineup. 

Martin Truex Jr: 2020 was a rather up and down year for Martin Truex Jr. After averaging 5.75 wins over 2016 – 2019, Truex was only able to win one race in 2020. In the last three years, Truex has two top-five finishes (one of the second) and has led 38 laps. Truex is a driver who always seems to either be in the mix or be completely out of it with no middle ground. Starting in 26th is a perfect spot for Truex to gain some serious point differential points. 

Kurt Busch: Kurt Busch: it blows me away that Kurt Busch continues to be looked at as a middle of the pack driver. Busch can drive. Take this pick as my dark horse pick for the week. Busch was able to finish in the ninth position in Thursday’s Bluegreen Vacations Duel #2, I think he can get there again. With Busch starting 20th for the Daytona 500, I like his place potential point potential. No way at the end of the day that Busch cannot be in the top 10.