Fantasy Nascar Picks

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Recap Pocono: Pocono was overall solid outing in Yahoo and Fantasy Live. In Yahoo , I was able to save both Keselowski and Logano. In an 281 points day. Closing the overall points lead down to 12 points was a huge plus for me. In Fantasy Live , I had solid scores across the board. Nothing to brag about though.

Look ahead to Watkins: We are at Watkins Glenn this weekend. This race to me is about survival then anything. Gaining on the competition is always a goal. But minimum damage to your championship hopes may be more important. So look for me to play it safe with my selection of picks. As road courses are typically unpredictable. Remember Ambrose last year? Dominating performance , but got caught back in traffic and finish 30th-ish.

Yahoo:

A- Start: Kyle Busch (7) Bench: Kevin Harvick (5)

Reason: My plan was to use Busch for Sunday race. I will stick to it. For multiple of reasons. The main one is Harvick will be useful at other upcoming tracks. I will bite the bullet and hope for the best.

B -

Start: Marcos Ambrose (8) , Aj Dinger (8)

Bench: Joey Logano (5) , Brad Keselowski (4)

Reason: My plan was to use Keselowski and Logano for possible qualifying points. It didn't work out. So I will take the safe route with Ambrose and Dinger.

C: Start: Justin Alliager (9)

    Bench: Michael McDowell (9)

Reason: Pretty logically here. Justin starts 15th and Michael starts 29th. Track position is huge. McDowell equipment is questionable as well.

Fantasy Live - Ambrose , Dinger , Busch , Biffle and danica.

Dark Horse - Jamie Mac

Race Winner - Aj Dinger

Fantasy Nascar Sleepers and Busts

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Last week I went 4 for 6. Only missing Hamlin and Rowdy. While nailing down Danica , Smoke , Kahne and Harvick (another sleeper who finish 2nd). It quite funny how 4 of the past 5 races , I have correctly predicted the 2nd place finisher as a sleeper. Got to love trends. Anyhow this week we are Watkins Glenn. Watkins is a great track to gain on the competition. Unfortunately trying to go too far off sequence could end very bad. There will be several non superstars names which could  run up front this week.

Sleeper -

AJ Dinger: The Dinger solid record and tremendous performance at Sonoma was enough alone to make him a great option this week. Unfortunately he won't get the credit he deserves. Because most people will look where he finished in June. Don't make that mistake. Might be a costly one. Facts remains , Dinger is better at Watkins then Sonoma. Which is saying something , since he was extremely impressive in June.

Bust -

Jeff Gordon: For the record , I am a huge Gordon fan. Unfortunately he lands on the bust list for Watkins. For two reasons: 1) Only two Top 10s since 2001 (best of 9th). 2) Better places to use him. No disrespect to Gordon , but I need to see him be dominate in Friday's practices. There are some good tracks coming up like Michigan , Bristol and Atlanta.

Sleeper -

Martin Truex Jr: Back at Sonoma , Truex was able to salvaged an respectable finish. To me was a surprise since he had to make a unscheduled pit stop in the in first few laps. Truex is a excellent road course racer. He finished top 5 last season here. I don't expect a repeat finish , but a top 10 is pretty reasonable to me.

Bust -

Tony Stewart: I been unimpressed by Smoke for weeks and weeks now. I had it after last week. He ran about 15th most of the day before getting involved in the big one which was trigger by Hamlin getting bent out of shape. Point being , he haven't had a legitimate performance since June Pocono race. At this point , Smoke is probably taking lesser equipment to help Harvick out.

Sleeper -

Kevin Harvick: Say hello to the most underrated driver in the field this week. Harvick actually been pretty reliable on road courses lately. His career average finish backs that up. An solid 13.08 is better then some noticeable names. Not to mention , he had the car to beat at Sonoma. I love Harvick this week. Don't be shocked to sed him on my team this week.

Bust -

Boris Said: Said will likely be a popular pick this week. Unfortunately I am not buying into the Boris Said project. As I didn't back in June. Said is a above average driver on road courses. But he cannot qualify poorly again. Or Said is doomed for the get go. Having poor track position + below average equipment could be a nightmare for a limited scheduled driver. I rather have a full time driver over a limited scheduled driver. As the full time driver will have more respect for their equipment.

Twitter - @Gbriggs12

Fantasy Football Love 'em / Hate 'em

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What exactly is Love 'em / Hate 'em? Good question. Thanks for asking. This specific article will featured on this blog by your truly. Its basically another version of sit/start 'em. Of course I just decided to rename it. Mainly because its an common article name. Plus I can do a lot more with these articles then name off starts/sits for the week. We will get into that topic another time though. Today we will look at 3 players I hate and love heading into your upcoming draft.

Love 'Em:

Brandin Crooks - The Saints Rookie WR have been phenomenal so far. He is a legitimate flex option and possibly more. Drew Brees absolutely love him. He just may be Brees go to guy outside of Jimmy Graham. This young man have showcases unbelievable blistering  speed in the Saints training camp. Dynasty owners better really take notice of this guy. If you don't have him , try convince the owner of him part ways with him. Lie like life depended on it.

Jordan Reed - I love Reed. He brings a lot to the table. There is concern with past injuries. As there is with most Nfl players. Reed brings major upside. Robert Griffin III absolutely love this guy. The new Washington offense should only benefit Reed fantasy value. The addition of Jackson should only give Reed more opportunities. Also RGIII is expected to pass more and have  minimal design runs. Another valid point which should solidify Reed case as a nice sleeper.

Ray Rice - Despite a 2 game suspension, Rice could be a awesome selection in the later rounds. The word around training camp Ray Rice is looking sharp thus far. Rice wasn't very impressive in 2013. But being deep at running back is a must. Rice may not resemble his old 2012 self where he was considered an elite back. At the same time , its hard to pass up an 8 or 9 round player with top 20 potential.

Hate 'Em:

Stevan Ridley - "Stevan Ridley is like a ticking time bomb" is how TimersSports blog owner Garry Briggs (@Gbriggs12) described Stevan Ridley on a fantasy football talkshow. And that pretty much fits Ridley to a tee at this point in his career. Ridley is very talented , but cough up the ball too much. His big problem is how he holds onto the ball. Most ball carriers tuck it under their arms to secure it. Ridley doesn't. He have the ball exposed for defenders to swipe it out. Ridley needs to change his methods.

Vernon Davis - Not that high on Davis. He scored 13 times in 2013 and topped 1000 receiving. Sounds great , right? Unfortunately he barley got the ball after other members of the 49ers receiving core got healthy. Davis was pretty much a dud unless he scored a TD. So taking a chance on a high Tight End draft pick such as Davis could be a horrible idea. Where there many underrated options waiting in the later rounds.

Percy Harvin - I am not high on Harvin either. Percy bring a ton of upside. Sadly he cannot stay on the field long enough to be true starter for any fantasy team. We all saw what he could do in Minnesota that one year he stayed somewhat healthy. Until Harvin could prove , his health isn't a factor. He will always be a risky fantasy pick.

Twitter - @Mattaleza1

Fantasy Nascar Early Rankings

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Early Rankings -

1. Marcos Ambrose
2. Kyle Busch
3. Brad Keselowski
4. Clint Bowyer
5. Kevin Harvick
6. Carl Edwards
7. Jimmie Johnson
8. Aj Dinger
9. Greg Biffle
10. Tony Stewart
11. Jeff Gordon
12. Ryan Newman
13. Joey Logano
14. Paul Menard
15. Dale Jr
16. Kasey Kahne
17. Jamie Mac
18. Kyle Larson
19. Martin Truex Jr
20. Matt Kenseth
21. Denny Hamlin
22. Kurt Busch
23. Danica Patrick
24. Austin Dillon
25. Aric Almirola
26. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
27. Justin Alliager
28. Boris Said
29. Michael Annett
30. Casey Mears

Thanks for reading

Michelle Rizzo

Fantasy Nascar Preview (Glenn)

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We are at Watkins Glenn this weekend. One of my favorites racetracks. I live very close to the track , so I will be at the racetrack this weekend (again). Most people assume drivers success automatically translates from Sonoma to Watkins. Unfortunately that is a common mistake. The two road courses are quite different. The only comparable thing is the same type of track. Watkins is longer , faster , and have more difficult turns to conquer.

1-JMac: JMac finished 4th at Sonoma. Don't expect a successful encore from JMac though. Watkins haven't been overly kind to him. Over the past two races here , Jamie have compiled an 25.0 average finish ,0 Top 5 , 0 Top 10, 1 Top 20, 1 lap led and 83.0 driver rating. In 11 races , Jamie Mac holds an 19.45 average finish.

2-Brad Keselowski: I feel for anyone who started BK at Indy or Pocono in limited start leagues. It like getting a nail drilled in your foot. Very painfully to waste such a useable driver like Brad. Brad have had great runs here recently. Over the past two races here , BK have compiled an 2.0 average finish , 2 Top 5s , 2 Top 10s , 37 laps led and 117.1 driver rating. In 4 career races at Watkins , BK holds an 6.75 , 3 Top 5s (75%) , 3 Top 10s (75%) , 4 Top 20 (100%) , and 39 laps led.

3-Austin Dillon: Dillon finish 17th at Sonoma. But is it really worth it? Especially with Dillon having some great tracks coming up. Honestly I wouldn't use him here. This can be a unpredictable track at times. I am eyeing Dillon for Michigan. As he been solid on larger tracks so far.

4-Kevin Harvick: Harvick was bad fast at Sonoma. Had a winning car to top 5 car. But got involved in the JMac/Bowyer deal. Nevertheless I expect him to be bad fast and to be overlooked by most this week. Over the past two races here , Harvick have compiled 14.0 average finish , 2 Top 20s , 8 laps led and 85.4 driver rating. In 13 races , Harvick holds an 13.08 average finish. Harvick is a very underrated road racer.

9-Marcos Ambrose: Ambrose is the first guy that comes to mind at road courses and rightfully so. Back at Sonoma , he wasn't that impressive. Even though he finish top 10 at end of the day. He been better at Watkins then Sonoma in career anyhow. Over past two races here , Ambrose have compiled an 16.0 average finish , 1 win , 1 Top 5 , 1 Top 10 , 59 laps led and 124.3 driver rating. In 6 career races , Ambrose holds an 6.83 average finish and 2 wins. Only once have Ambrose finish outside the top 5. That race was the most recent one held here.

10-Danica Patrick: Danica Patrick killed several fantasy teams over the past few races (not mine). Anyhow she probably your best option this week though. In 2013 , she finished 20th here. Earlier this season , she finished 18th at Sonoma.

14-Tony Stewart: Smoke killed my score at Indy (sort of) and murdered my day at Pocono. But I am trying use my Tony(s) before the chase. As its unlikely for him to make the chase at this rate. So I will likely put him on my team this week. He only have one start since 2012. Which resulted in a 19th. So stats aren't very useful. Just carefully watch him in practice before Saturday morning lockdown.

15-Clint Bowyer: Bowyer have been one of the best road course racers over the past few seasons. He is still underrated though. Evidence of that showed back in Sonoma. Over past two seasons here , Bowyer have compiled 5.0 average finish , 1 Top 5 , 2 Top 10s , and 107.6 driver rating. Since 2012 , Bowyer holds the best average finish of full time drivers (5.2) and 111.9 driver rating (series-best) on road courses.

16-Greg Biffle: Two weeks ago I tabbed The Biff as a sleeper (finished 13th). Same thing at Pocono (finish 5th). Now we are headed to Watkins and he is again a sleeper. Not gonna spend a lot of time on the Biff. Just know since 2012 , he holds an 9.2 average finish on road courses. Which is better then: Jeff Gordon , Marcos Ambrose , Tony Stewart, Brad Keselowski and few other noticeable names. Point being he is extremely underrated.

18-Kyle Busch: Rowdy is one of the best drivers at Watkins. He been extremely strong here. Likely will be a popular pick. He will be fast all weekend long. Over the past two races here , Rowdy have compiled 4.0 average finish , 1 win , 1 Top 5 , 2 Top 10s , 72 laps led and 136.0 driver rating. In 9 career races , Rowdy holds 8.1 average finish and 2 win.

20-Matt Kenseth: Kenseth always been a okay road racer , but never good enough to be contender. Earlier this season  at Sonoma , MK day was ended after Dale Jr turn him around. Over the past two races here , Kenseth have compiled 15.5 average finish , 1 Top 10, 1 Top 20, 0 lap led and 83.6 driver rating. In 14 career races , Kenseth holds an 15.57 with 4 Top 10s (28%).

22-Joey Logano: Logano is very underrated. Joey actually is a accomplished road racer. But haven't yet put together a strong run to get some respect. Over the past two races here , JoLo have compiled 19.5 average finish , 1 Top 10 , 1 Top 20, 0 lap led and 78.7 driver rating. I would save him for another week in limited start leagues.

24-Jeff Gordon: After being dominate early in his career at Watkins. Gordon have became VERY overrated. Meaning people don't realize how bad he been here since 2001. In his last 12 races at Watkins , Gordon have only 2 Top 10s (0 Top 5s). Of couse he been bad fast all year and likely will be same at Watkins. Nevertheless I need to see strong practices from the 24 before I give him a slot on my team this week.

27-Paul Menard: Menard is actually been consistent on road courses which would be a surprise to many. In fact , he finished in the top 5 at Sonoma . Since 2012 Menard holds 13.6 average finish on road courses. Menard is better then most would give him credit for.

31-Ryan Newman: Not gonna spend a lot of time on Newman. Newman is middle of the road as a legitimate road racer. He always been good , but never great. Over the past two races here , Newman have compiled 12.5 average finish , 2 Top 20s , 0 laps led and 78.4 driver rating. Since 2012 , Newman holds an 13.8 average finish on road courses.

41-Kurt Busch: Busch is much better at Sonoma then he is at Watkins. Even though he was able to put together a nice run with the 78 last season (top 10). Over the past two races here , Kurt have compiled 20.0 average finish , 1 top 10 , 1 top 20, 0 laps led and 81.4 driver rating. There are better gambles this week.

42-Kyle Larson: Okay let keep it simple. Larson will likely start near the front , look impressive in practice and finish well ahead of any other rookie. The kid is that good. With that being said , he will be more useful at other tracks as well. So I will likely keep him off this week (least in Yahoo).

47-Aj Dinger: I am still feeling bitter towards Dale Jr. After he turn the Dinger on a restart at Sonoma. Nevertheless Aj had a top 5 car and easily led the most laps in that race. He finish top 10 last year here. Dinger could be a terrific sleeper for Sunday race.

48-Jimmie Johnson: Johnson is actually overlooked at road courses. Surprising he been very effective as a fantasy pick. Unfortunately he is in a major slump at the moment. Since his win at Michigan , there been nothing but bad luck. 4 Finishes outside the top 35. You cannot use him right now. Even though his average finish on road courses since 2012 is 6.4 (2nd best among full time drivers).

51-Justin Alliager: The only rookie I would consider using in Yahoo. Mainly because his solid record in the NNS on road courses. Sadly he was a disappointment at Sonoma in June. Practice will likely tell weather or not roster worthy for Sunday race.

78-Martin Truex Jr: MT Jr had some great runs at the road courses races. Including an solid run earlier this season at Sonoma. His inconsistent runs in 2014 drag down his value though. Carefully watch Truex in practice on Friday before lockdown.

99-Carl Edwards: Edwards won earlier this season at Sonoma. I still think he be overlooked , even after posting a win at Sonoma. Over the past two races here , Edwards have compiled 9.0 average finish , 1 Top 5 , 1 Top 10, 2 Top 20s , 1 lap led and 98.6 driver rating. Since 2012 , Edwards holds 8.6 average finish and 1 win.

Twitter - @JeffNathans

Thanks for reading

Jeff Nathans

Fantasy Nascar Final Rankings (Pocono)

Welcome to TimersSports

Final Rankings -

1. Brad Keselowski
2. Jeff Gordon
3. Kevin Harvick
4. Kurt Busch
5. Jimmie Johnson
6. Kyle Busch
7. Joey Logano
8. Tony Stewart
9. Kasey Kahne
10. Kyle Larson
11. Ryan Newman
12. Denny Hamlin
13. Dale Jr
14. Jamie Mac
15. Clint Bowyer
16. Austin Dillon
17. Greg Biffle
18. Matt Kenseth
19. Brian Vickers
20. Carl Edwards
21. Martin Truex Jr
22. Aric Almirola
23. Paul Menard
24. Marcos Ambrose
25. Danica Patrick
26. Aj Dinger
27. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
28. Justin Alliager
29. Michael Annett
30. Casey Mears

Twitter - @Mattaleza1

Fantasy Nascar Update (Pocono)

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We are at Pocono Raceway this weekend. An 2.5 oval which heavily hard on equipment and the fuel mileage. The winner of Sunday race could be determined by how a team uses track position , pit strategies and number of laps on a single tank of fuel. Ultimately the winner of the race probably doesn't deserves to win (like in June). Also having a good long run car should be advantage (especially late in a run).

A:

Kevin Harvick- Harvick starts 6th. He looked really strong on the long runs. His CC was happy with his fall off late in a run. Harvick seems to have a top 5 car heading in.

Jeff Gordon - Gordon is by far the safest pick this week. He's was selected by 46% in grouping A. That % alone makes him one of the best values heading into the race. Jeff starts from 5th. Looked really stout overall. Gordon looked strong on long run speed. Didn't fall off much either.

Kyle Busch - Rowdy was one of the most overlooked drivers this week. Only 16% selected him. Nevertheless he was really good in happy hour. He seemed very pleased with the car overall. I bet he finishes in the top 10 at least  on Sunday.

Jimmie Johnson: Johnson good , but not great. Which ultimately suggests to save Johnson for another week. Jimmie should contend for a top 10 without much problems. Unfortunately that probably his realistic ceiling. Don't hate Johnson , but I want max points.

B:

Brad Keselowski-  Brad K seems to be the best driver in both practices on Saturday in B Group. He also starts 3rd. I expect him to finish there as well. Is Brad the clear cut favorite? No. So I would probably try to save him. Especially at a track when fuel mileage is a factor. Starting him should led to a great points outing though.

Joey Logano- Logano starts 2nd. Logano doesn't have the speed of his teammate. But pretty close. Not sure how much he fell off on a long run. But his consistent laps times suggests his fell off was good over course of a lap run.

Ryan Newman- Newman wasn't bad overall. Look top 15 for Sunday race. Could contend for a top 10 , if pit strategies falls his way during the race. Newman should be a fine start save option for Sunday race. Newman is points racing , so don't expect team 31 to press the issue too much.

Tony Stewart: Wasn't too happy with Smoke at Indy. Fortunately he looks better this week at Pocono. Smoke wasn't as good as his teammates. But should be a lock for top 15 (top 10 is likely). Use Smoke now , because he probably won't make the chase at this rate.

Denny Hamlin- Hamlin is without Grubbs this week (and the next 5 races). Hamlin didn't look top 10 to me based on lap times. He was more in the 11-15 place range. To be honest , I would probably bench him for one of the drivers listed above.

C:

Kyle Larson: Let me be clear , If you have Larson. You will start him. Larson starts 1st and looked pretty good in every practice session. Don't see how anyone can bench Larson from the pole. Especially in Yahoo with the possibility to get 10 bonus points.

Austin Dillon- Dillon was looking like a legit option until he received heavy damage from hitting the wall. Luckily Dillon team was able to repair the damage and improve the car. Dillon realistically have a shot at top 20. Top 15 isn't out of the question though.

Danica Patrick - Patrick is probably a risky play this weekend. She starts 10th , but she won't stay there for long. Especially if she repeats her performance from June. There are safer options to use. Use her at Michigan or Bristol.

Well that's it. I choosed to list only the best 4 A group drivers , 5 best B group drivers and best 3 C group drivers. Mainly because it saves time.

With that being said , anyone who have any Fantasy Nascar questions or just want to chat. Feel free to send us a line on Twitter:

Garry Briggs (@Gbriggs12)

Jeff Nathans (@JeffNathans)

Matt Aleza (@MattAleza1)