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We are at Atlanta this weekend! On Thursday there were two open test sessions led by JMac and Jeff Gordon. Both placed in the top 10 in both sessions. Matt Kenseth and Kyle Larson also placed in the top 10 in both sessions. Few others did as well. On Friday , Kyle Larson topped the lone practice session followed by Kevin Harvick , David Ragan and Joey Logano. Qualifying was a mess unfortunately! Several drivers were unable to put a lap. In the end , Joey Logano continue his hot start with a pole reward.
So how did drivers fair in final practice and how do they stack up for this weekend race? Glad you asked..your answers are below:
A:
1. Joey Logano - Logano in my opinion has the best shot to go to victory lane. I don't think he will dominate , but he was one of the best car on the long run. More importantly , JoLo have a great pit stall. There really aren't too many legitimate contenders starting up front. Several of the favorites are starting deep into the 30s. If you have Logano , than start him.
My Overall Ranking: 1st
2. Kevin Harvick- Harvick has the best car heading into Sunday race. But he blew up in final practice , so I had to bump him down a spot. Don't worry , he will charge up to the front in no time though. Harvick was 2nd in first practice and 1st in final practice. He bad fast on the long runs. Harvick is my pick to win , if he get back to front on Sunday. He led 195 laps in last year race.
My Overall Ranking: 2nd
3. Jeff Gordon- There a lot to like about Gordon. He been good all weekend long and will roll off 35th on Sunday. He was very good on the long run , so I wouldn't worry about his poor starting position. Ultimately Gordon starting position bump him in my rankings , but no need to be concerned though. Gordon will be a serious player for the win and you can count on that.
My Overall Ranking: 3rd
4. Denny Hamlin: Hamlin is someone who been off everyone radars , but yet he have to be considered a major threat come Sunday. Hamlin will roll off from 4th. He been pretty darn fast since unloading Thursday. On Friday , Hamlin posted 5th fastest lap of the lone session. Followed that up with 4th fastest in final practice. Also liked how he didn't fall off on the long run compared to other cars. Hamlin seems to be happy about his Toyota after conclusion of Final practice.
My Overall Ranking: 4th
5. Jimmie Johnson - I have faith that Johnson will be able to slice through the field on Sunday. He been solid all weekend long. In middle of final practice , chad reported Johnson was losing most of his speed in turn 2. Later in the practice , Johnson was complaining about being too loose. Johnson probably in store for a top 10 on Sunday.
My Overall Ranking: 6th
Other Good choices: Dale Jr Kenseth and Brad K
B:
1. Carl Edwards - Edwards is my top pick in this tier. I think he will offer the best chance for a win on Sunday. Edwards haven't been quite as good as his teammate Hamlin. But don't think he won't be a serious threat when it comes down it to. Edwards will roll off 5th and showed speed in every session. Atlanta fits Edwards driving style as well. Something I like about picking him.
My Overall Ranking: 5th
2. Kasey Kahne - Kahne is someone to watch out for! The 5 car could make some noise come Sunday. He have a car which should finish in the 6th - 10th range overall. The defending race winner will start from the 10th position and finished 2nd in final practice. He was pretty fast overall. His handling was a little off , but that shouldn't be too much of a issue. I am sure Keith will fix that during the race.
My Overall Ranking: 7th
3. Kyle Larson - Larson is a excellent pick for your fantasy team. I liked what Larson have shown so far this weekend. The 42 car posted the 4th best 10-lap average on Saturday and will roll from 6th. Larson will undoubtedly outperform my overall ranking , but I want to leave some ceiling for him. Larson can win on Sunday and I am confident in that. Larson finished 8th in his Atlanta debut in 2014!
My Overall Ranking: 9th
4. Jamie Mac - I am convinced Chip G have made JMac believe he is better than he actually is. Confidences can be a difference maker. Or it could be the result of better racecars on weekly basis. Either way I want more of this JMac! Jamie will start from 3rd and looks like a top 10 play , but I am smart enough to know to temper my expectations. If you played fantasy racing long enough , then you know what I mean. I have JMac as a top 15 option with top 10 upside.
My Overall Ranking: 13th
5. Paul Menard - Menard too deep of a sleeper for my taste , but wouldn't be the first time Menard surprised us with a top 10. Actually it would be typical Menard. Menard will start from 13th and I honestly see him finishing around that area. Maybe a little further back , but heck worth a shot I guess. Menard fell off too much in my opinion though on the long run. I ranked higher than I should've. He have more experience and/or better equipment than the next few drivers. In the end I decided to bump him up because of that.
My Overall Ranking: 14th
6. AJ Dinger - Watch for the Dinger! He someone who get overlooked pretty easily , but Atlanta might be his best unknown racetrack. Especially looking at Dinger from career point of view. I was surprised to see his career average around 17th place in 9 starts. So far this weekend , the Dinger have looked pretty good overall. He will start 11th on Sunday and posted the 6th fastest lap in final practice. I may have ranked him higher if it wasn't for his equipment level. I see least a top 20 for him. Wouldn't be shocked to see Dinger wheel home a top 15 at the checkers.
My Overall Ranking: 15th
Just missed: Dillon , Biffle , Truex jr and Smoke
C:
1. David Ragan- Debated who deserved the top spot in this tier. In the end , I like Ragan over Danica. Mainly because of the potential. Ragan I thought showed more promise throughout the weekend and will likely be a safer picker. Ragan probably a 20-ish type option , but wouldn't rule out a mid-teen result though.
My Overall Ranking: 21st
2. Danica Patrick- Its wouldn't shock me to see Danica finish ahead of Ragan. But it also wouldn't shock me to see her finish behind Ragan too. I like what Danica brings (value wise) as a fantasy option. This is consider one of her best racetracks. Depending on your league setup , Danica could make a terrific option. I have her around 20th at checkers.
My Overall Ranking: 22nd
3. Regan Smith - Of the three options in this tier , Smith is my least favorite overall. I am sure he will fine when it all said and done. But he starts deep in the field and was not very fast on the speed charts. His best 10 lap average was pretty terrible too. In Yahoo , I would pass on him. This might be our last opportunity to use him. But I wouldn't recommend him over either of the options above.
My Overall Ranking: 26th
Email: JeffNathan74@yahoo.com
Twitter - @JeffNathans
