Fantasy Nascar Sleepers (Phoenix)

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Sleepers -


Ricky Stenhouse Jr - Ricky didn't quite live up my expectations, but I am going to sticky Stenhouse Jr though. I feel like he can end the year strong over these final two races. At Texas he probably would have finished inside the top 20, but Keselowski put most of the field a lap down. So I am not going to hold him accountable for his poor-ish finish. Even though 21st was still pretty decent overall for him. He should get back on track at Phoenix. In the past 5 races here, he have never finished worse than 18th. Earlier this season, he tied his career-best 12th place finish at this racetrack. In fact, he had his best performance at this track as well. In 5 career starts, he have completed every single lap at this racetrack and he ran very during the chase. On short-flats this season, he been shockingly one of the best fantasy values due to most people overlook him. Minus the first race at Richmond, he have supported 14.5 average finish with 19.5 average running position and 80.6 driver rating on the shorter flats racetracks. In those races, he have finishes of: 12th (Phoenix), 17th (New Hampshire), 16th (Richmond) and 13th (New Hampshire). Only race outside of the top 17th was back at the first Richmond race where he finished 28th.

Casey Mears - Yes yes I know he disappointed last week with a 26th, but he just had a bad day. I don't think there was a driver who had more problems than Casey Mears at Texas. From ill-handling racecar to unscheduled pit stops to terrible vibration to whatever else he had go wrong. And despite going 3 laps down before lap 20, he still managed a 26th-place finish. The 13 team actually fixed him up and got some speed into that car. At Phoenix, he could be in for a decent run! Earlier this season, he finished 20th at this track. Actually 3 of the past 5 races at this racetrack have ended in 20th or better. Mears also have ran quite well this season on shorter flats as well. Minus the first Richmond race, he have put together 18.8 average finish with 21.3 average running position. In fact, he have finished 20th or better in 4 of 5 short-flat races this season.

Aric Almirola - Almirola started off the chase very well with 3 Top 10 in the first 4 races. Then he finished 24th back at Kansas. Since? 3 straight finishes of 16th or 18th. Overall 6 of 8 races during the chase have ended inside the top 18. I can live with results like those from driver with middle of the road equipment. He been very consistent at Phoenix since being put in the 43 car back in 2012. In 7 races in the #43 car, he have never finished worse 19th. Also he have finished all 7 of those races on the lead lap which have helped him a lot in these races. To add onto his fantasy value, he have been solid on the short-flat racetracks this season. Outside of the 2nd New Hampshire race, he have 14.5 average finish, 28.0 average running position and 19.5 average running position. If you remember the New Hampshire race, he was running well in the top 15 before he blew a tire and hit the wall. Now let look deeper into his short-flat stats. His 4th place effort obviously boost his overall stats. So here what his averages would look like without that race: 18.0 average finish, 29.3 average start, 21.5 average running position and 70.3 driver rating. What is the one thing that stands out in both sets of those stats? His position differential. Nice fantasy option in leagues that reward that, if the price is right. 

*Note - Stats are from FantasyRacingCheatSheet.com and DriverAverages.com 

Twitter - @Garryy12

Fantasy Nascar Early Rankings (Phoenix)

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1. Kevin Harvick
2. Brad Keselowski
3. Joey Logano
4. Kurt Busch
5. Jimmie Johnson
6. Kyle Busch
7. Jeff Gordon
8. Carl Edwards
9. Martin Truex Jr
10. Dale Jr
11. Denny Hamlin
12. Jamie McMurray
13. Kasey Kahne
14. Ryan Newman
15. Kyle Larson
16. Clint Bowyer
17. Austin Dillon
18. Paul Menard
19. Aric Almirola
20. Ricky Stenhouse Jr
21. Erik Jones
22. Greg Biffle
23. David Ragan
24. Casey Mears
25. Tony Stewart
26. AJ Dinger
27. Danica Patrick
28. Justin Allgaier
29. Sam Hornish Jr
30. Trevor Bayne

Fantasy Nascar Picks (Phoenix)

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We are headed to Phoenix RaceWay for the 35th race of the season this weekend! A place that have seen Kevin Harvick dominate over the past few seasons. Phoenix is a 1-mile short flat racetrack, so we should look at stats from similar racetracks this season and past data from Phoenix. You can check out Jeff's Fantasy Nascar Preview (Click here), very good stuff! I don't really like going against the majority at Phoenix, so I plan to load heavy on the chase drivers. There probably won't be a lot of passing, so don't be shocked to see the same drivers dominate on Sunday.

Here is today's picks!

Yahoo -

A:

Start - Kevin Harvick

Bench - Joey Logano

Reasons - PIR is Harvick's playground, so I am not benching him for a slower Logano who needs to win to advance. Also feel like Penske is lacking too much speed and probably only have a top 10 car.

B:

Start - Kasey Kahne, Kurt Busch,

Bench - Clint Bowyer, Martin Truex Jr

Reasons - Not real tough decisions this week for me. Kahne and Busch look like the best combo among the 4 drivers I have selected. Kurt Busch probably have the best car for Sunday's race. So there no way I can bench him. The final spot came down to Kahne, Bowyer or Truex. I want to save Truex for homestead, since I am using Busch here. So Kahne or Bowyer? I went with the driver with more speed and starting closer to the front. Kasey Kahne it is!


C:

Start - Erik Jones

Bench- Danica Patrick

Reasons -Erik Jones vs Danica Patrick. I don't think I really need to explain this decision, but alright then. Erik Jones have way more upside and potential than Danica Patrick. That alone should make him a obvious start. Especially since Kenseth will be back next week. 

Fantasy Live -4,41,48,51 and 3

Sleeper -Austin Dillon

Winner - Kevin Harvick

Twitter - @MattAleza

Fantasy Nascar Preview (Phoenix)

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Preview-  

1-Jamie Mac: JMac is putting together a pretty nice chase! Few weeks ago at Martinsville (another shorter flat track), he had one of the strongest performances of the season. I don't think he will back it up, but he have had some nice runs at Phoenix, too. Earlier this season, he started 3rd , finished 3rd and posted 112.1 driver rating. He was easily a top 10 driver for that entire race and hung around the top 5. When the time came, he made his move. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 13.2 average finish, 16.0 average start, 13.6 average running position and 86.7 driver rating. Over his past 4 races at PIR, he have finished 18th or better in race. More importantly, he have finishes of 14th, 10th and 2nd since start of last season. The shorter-flats fits Jamie's style more in my opinion, so don't be shocked by his solid efforts on them. 2nd at Phoenix, 2nd at Martinsville, and 4th at Richmond this season. See a trend developing?

2-Brad Keselowski: Keselowski may have blown his chance at advancing in the chase and he now will have to win at Phoenix. A track where he have never been to victory lane at. A track where his best finish is 3rd at. Kevin Harvick was in a similar situation at Dover. Wonder if the results will be similar? Earlier this season, he finished 6th. He probably was the 2nd-best driver and one of the few to lead more one lap. In fact he led 52 laps that day on his way to a 6th place finish. I believe Penske have improved a lot since then and they will give Brad a bad fast Ford on Sunday. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 5.6 average finish, 6.4 average start, 5.8 average running position and 115.6 driver rating. This could be considered Brad's best track since joining Penske. In 12 career starts, he have 10 Top 20 finishes. More impressively, he have finished 6 of the past 7 races inside the top 6 (dating back to start of 2012 season), and only race he didn't finished inside the top 6 was 11th in 2013. Including 3 straight top 6 finishes with a best of 3rd coming last season in the spring. That's the good, so what is the bad? Well he have finished better in the spring races than the fall races. In 6 fall races, he have finished outside of the top 10 in 4 of them. Luckily he have finished 4th and 6th in past two of three fall races. Keselowski also been very solid on the shorter-flats this season! He have posted 9.0 average finish with 5.0 average running position and 115.4 driver rating.

3-Austin Dillon: It's hard to judge Austin Dillon with only three career starts, but he have proven he can run well on this type racetrack. Earlier this season he finished 15th which was by far his best finish and best performance in his Cup career. Other than that there a lot of unknowns about Austin Dillon. For now, he is nothing more than a top 20 driver. We will know more after practice and qualifying.

4-Kevin Harvick: Kevin Harvick is not only a favorite, but a heavy favorite to win Sunday's race at Phoenix! He was dominated earlier this season and went to victory lane from the pole. In that race he led 224 laps to en route to his 4th straight win at the 1-mile racetrack. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 3.4 average finish, 6.6 average start, 3.4 average running position and 139.8 driver rating. Harvick simply is the best pick this week. He have won 5 of the past 6 races dating back to the 2012 season. In fact he have finished 6th or better in 8 of the past 10 races, with 6 Top 2 finishes (5 wins and a 2nd place finish.) Since joining SHR, Harvick have turned into a completely new animal at this track. He have won in every start, led least 224 laps in every start, and about 150.0 driver rating during that span. Yeah he is pretty damn good! He also have had some strong runs on the shorter-flats tracks this season/ He have posted 8.2 average finish with 4.8 average running position and 124.0 driver rating. He have scored the 3rd-most points on this type track.

5-Kasey Kahne: I was disappointed in Kahne at Texas, I thought he had more in him than 20th place. Oh well that what you get with Kasey Kahne. They don't call him the most inconsistent driver in the series for nothing, do they? Earlier this season, Kasey finished 4th in this race. But he wasn't quite that good. He was about a top 10 driver to top 15 driver I would say. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 11.4 average finish, 10.2 average start, 12.6 average running position and 92.9 driver rating. He been up and down since joining HMS. He have 3 top 4 finishes (since his 2012 debut with HMS), but he also have 4 finishes outside of the top 10. Including finishes of 11th, 19th, 21st and 34th. Positive news? 2 of his three Top 4 finishes have came in the past 3 fall races at Phoenix. His other top 4 finish came back here in March. Kasey also been pretty solid on the shorter flats this season. He have posted 11.2 average finish with 12.6 average running position and 90.5 driver rating. He should be considered a top 15 fantasy option headed into the weekend!

11-Denny Hamlin: Tough weekend at Texas for Denny Hamlin, but he could get back on track at Phoenix though. Earlier this season, he wasn't very competitive and finished 28th. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 15.6 average finish, 9.6 average start, 16.8 average running position and 78.6 driver rating. He been a bit inconsistent since the start of the 2012 season. He have 4 Top 5 finishes, including a win back in 2012. He also have finishes of 28th, 19th and 23rd. All three of those finishes have came in the past 4 races at Phoenix for Hamlin. So he will need better luck this Sunday! He been decent on the shorter-flats this season though. He have posted 13.4 average finish with 13.6 average running position and 78.6 driver rating. He haven't been great on this type track, but his performance have greatly improved during the chase. Early in the season, I felt like he struggled to finish well (23rd at Phoenix and 22nd at Richmond.) In the chase it been a different story with finishes of 2nd and 6th at Richmond and New Hampshire.

18-Kyle Busch: Kyle Busch really haven't had a bad race in the chase yet (minus that one wreck early on), and that a big reason why he haven't had to go out and win. He can lock up his championship ticket to Homestead by simply finishing inside the top 10 on Sunday. I expect him to go for the win though. Over the past 4 races here, he have compiled 18.3 average finish, 5.3 average start, 15.8 average running position and 83.5 driver rating. Busch haven't had many great races with JGR at Phoenix, but he haven't many bad ones either. In 14 starts with JGR, he have finished 17th or better in 11 of them. Including 8 Top 10 finishes. In fact, he have finished 4 of the past 6 races at Phoenix inside the top 10. Solid!

19-Carl Edwards: I been trying to figure out Carl Edwards all season and just when I think I am starting to, he goes out and make me look like a fool. So whatever I say about Edwards, you better go and do the complete opposite. Earlier this season, Edwards wasn't too bad but was nothing more than a teen-type driver and finished 13th. JGR was still trying to find speed early in the season, so I wouldn't put too much into that performance. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 11.6 average finish, 16.2 average start, 10.2 average running position and 100.0 driver rating. Edwards always been decent at Phoenix for the most part. Only twice have he finished worse than 17th since the 2008 season. I like Edwards a lot this week, but I would like him more, if he was in a better position in the points though. He currently is about 6 points out and that could be hard to overcome without some help from his competitors. On the shorter-flats this season, he have posted 11.0 average finish with 11.8 average running position and 92.0 driver rating. He's easily a top 10 play this week!

22-Joey Logano: Logano is in a must-win situation now after back-to-back finishes outside of the top 35. Earlier this season, he was very strong at Phoenix. He started on the front row and finished 8th. He led 35 laps in that race for though that are wondering. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 10.6 average finish, 8.6 average start, 8.6 average running position and 104.4 driver rating. Logano is currently on a 4-race steak of top 10 finishes. In that span, he only have one top 5 finish though. He also been one of the strongest drivers on the shorter-flats. He have posted 4.6 average finish with 6.0 average running position and 113.4 driver rating. I think Logano will be a top 5 driver, but I don't think he wins though. There still practice and qualifying to change my mind though.

24-Jeff Gordon: Gordon is already locked into the championship round at Homestead, so it will be interesting to see how he attacks it this week. Earlier this season, he finished 9th. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 7.8 average finish, 8.8 average start, 8.2 average running position and 105.9 driver rating. Gordon have been a consistent driver at Phoenix with 4 top 10 finishes in his past 5 races. His two wins came in 2011 and 2007. After his 2011 win (8 races ago), he only have 2 top 5 finishes though. On the plus side, 5 of his past 8 races have ended inside the top 10. I think Gordon is a top 10 play headed into the weekend. On shorter-flats this season, he have posted 8.0 average finish with 10.4 average running position and 97.5 driver rating.

41-Kurt Busch: Kurt Busch is coming off an 7th place run at Texas and will need to win at Phoenix on Sunday! Earlier this season, he finished 5th. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 16.6 average finish, 12.2 average start, 10.0 average running position and 96.5 driver rating. In that 5 race span, he have put together 3 top 10 finishes. Including back-to-back top 10 finishes of 5th and 7th. In fact, 4 of the past 6 races he have finished inside the top 10. With 6 of the past 10 races ending inside the top 10. Looking deeper in the stats, I would say this is one of Kurt's best track from a career point of view. Only at Kentucky and ACS does he have better average finish. At the shorter flats in 2015, he have compiled 10.0 average finish with 6.2 average running position and 112.8 driver rating.

42-Kyle Larson: Larson is cursed or something this season! Seriously! How he could manage to have three blown tires in two races! He should have won the NXS race and probably should have finished inside the top 5 in the Cup race. Earlier this season, he finished 10th at Phoenix. In 3 career starts, Larson have compiled 14.3 average finish, 9.3 average start, 12.3 average running position and 89.2 driver rating. He been equally solid on the shorter flats racetracks. He have posted 16.4 average finish with 16.0 average running position and 83.1 driver rating. Truthfully I think Larson best days are ahead of him. However I think that will come in 2016 though.

48-Jimmie Johnson: Jimmie Johnson is coming off a win at Texas. Earlier this season, Johnson finished 11th at Phoenix. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 12.2 average finish, 8.6 average start, 10.0 average running position and 103.5 driver rating. In that 5-race span, he have finished 3 of those 5 races inside the top 6. I felt like Johnson was at his peak at Phoenix before the repave was done. Now he is more of a hit or miss type driver. I think as time goes on, he will slowly rise to the top once again. However I don't know if it will be anytime soon though. On shorter flats racetracks this season, he have posted 10.2 average finish with 12.4 average running position and 95.7 driver rating.

78-Martin Truex Jr: Truex Jr is coming off a top 10 finish at Texas and looks to lock his ticket to the championship round at Homestead. He finished 7th earlier this season. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 17.0 average finish, 16.0 average start, 17.8 average running position and 82.7 driver rating. Over the past 4 races, he have finished 12th or better in 3 races. In fact, he have finished 12th or better in 4 of the past 7 races. However he also have three finishes of 22nd, 36th and 43rd.  Overall Truex have finished 15th or better 6 of his past 10 races dating back to 2010 with MWR. On shorter flats this season, he have posted 13.8 average finish with 15.4 average running position and 89.3 driver rating. I think he is least top 10 driver headed into Sunday's race.

88-Dale Jr: Dale Jr is coming off a very strange Texas race where he was able to find a decent finish somehow. Earlier this season, he finished 43rd at Phoenix. I believe had a tire go down and hit the wall. Over the past 5 races here, he have compiled 12.4 average finish, 13.8 average start, 12.6 average running position and 100.3 driver rating. Before wrecking earlier this season here, he have finished 4 straight in the top 8. Honestly outside of those 4 races, he haven't really done much since joining HMS. He been decent on shorter flats this season. He have posted 18.4 average finish with 13.8 average running position and 89.2 driver rating. I am not really high on Dale Jr, but he nothing better than a top 10 fantasy option in my opinion.

**All stats are from DriverAverages.com and FantasyRacingCheatSheet.com

Twitter - @JeffNathans

Fantasy Football Rankings (Week 9)

Welcome to TimersSports

Quarterback -

1. Tom Brady
2. Big Ben
3. Phillip Rivers
4. Drew Brees
5. Matt Ryan
6. Eli Manning
7. Aaron Rodgers
8. Cam Newton
9. Derek Carr
10. Jay Cutler
11. Peyton Manning
12. Tyrod Taylor
13. Jameis Winston
14. Andrew Luck
15. Ryan Fitzpatrick

Running Backs -

1. DeVonta Freeman
2. Todd Gurley
3. Doug Martin
4. Chris Ivory
5. Adrian Peterson
6. Ronnie Hillman
7. Mark Ingram
8. Jonathan Stewart
9. LeSean McCoy
10. LeGarrette Blount
11. Lamar Miller
12. Dion Lewis
13. DeAngelo Williams
14. Darren McFadden
15. Latavius Murray

Wide Receivers -

1. Odell Beckham Jr
2. Julio Jones
3. Antonio Brown
4. Julian Eldman
5. Alshon Jeffery
6. Mike Evan
7. Demaryius Thomas
8. Amari Cooper
9. Brandon Marshall
10. Martavis Bryant
11. Eric Decker
12. Emmanuel Sanders
13. Allen Hurns
14. Brandin Cooks
15. Randall Cobb

Tight Ends -

1. Rob Gronkowski
2. Antonio Gates
3. Greg Olsen
4. Benjamin Waston
5. Jordan Reed
6. Julius Thomas
7. Charles Clay
8. Austin Seferian-Jenkins
9. Delanie Walker
10. Heath Miller 

Twitter - @WilliamFrang

Fantasy Nascar RaceDay Thoughts (Texas)

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 Happy Raceday. Setting your fantasy team can be difficult , especially with everything being factored in. Below our group of experts give their thoughts on today race (Including their final
picks).

Kate Roswell (@CrazyKateNascar):

-There were no practice on Saturday, so the cars who were in race trim on Friday could have a huge advantage during today's race.

-I think either Kevin Harvick or Joey Logano will have the best chance to go to Victory lane.

-Watch out for Martin Truex Jr. He is starting mid-pack around 23rd, but I think he can drive through the field though.

-Kurt Busch have had a few tough couple weeks (finish wise), but I think he break through today at Texas!

Garry Briggs (@Garryy12):

- I like Ricky Stenhouse Jr in Fantasy Live today as a value pick. He is starting 28th, but before wrecking at Martinsville he have finished 8th-13th in 5 straight races. I think he get back on track with another top 15 finish.

-Aric Almirola is someone who I don't really trust without seeing much practice, but he is someone I think will finish inside the top 20. Personally I don't feel like he have enough fantasy value to be considered in most formats though.

-Passing can be done at this place. This track you slide around at a lot. It reminds me a lot of Atlanta where you are slipping and sliding like you are on dirt.

-Kyle Busch is my dark horse today! The driver of the 18 car have found plenty of success here recently and I think he is just matter of races away from winning in the chase.

Matt Aleza (@MattAleza):

-I like Kyle Larson today to surprise people today. He seems to like this place. He starts from 5th.

-Joey Logano is my pick to win today! I have a good feeling about him!

-Austin Dillon is my sleeper pick. He starting from 26th, but he is one of the best drivers at improving throughout the race.

-Jimmie Johnson is under the radar and I love it. Nothing better than having the defending race winner under the radar. In fact, he have won the last three fall races here.

Yahoo -

Kate's Lineup - 4,41,19,21

Garry's Lineup - 4,41,42,20

Matt's Lineup - 22,19,5,21

Sleepers -

Kate's Pick - Paul Menard

Garry's Pick - Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Matt's Pick - Austin Dillon

Winner -

Kate's Pick - Kevin Harvick

Garry's Pick - Kevin Harvick

Matt's Pick - Joey Logano

Fantasy Nascar Post Practice Sleepers (Texas)

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Sleepers -

Ricky Stenhouse Jr - Earlier in the week, I listed Ricky as my feature sleeper and I still feel the same about him now. As I stated on Tuesday, Ricky have finished 5 of the past 6 races from 8th-13th finish range. In fact before Martinsville's wreck, he have finished 18th or better in every single race since Richmond. Your average person would think he still is running in the mid-20s, but that is absolutely false. Stenhouse have dramatically improved over the course of the season. He qualified 28th for Sunday's race, but in the chase he have only started 24th or better in three races. Only once have he started better than 18th. So not like he is used to starting up front. Personally I think he becomes more usable in a wider variety of formats with him starting deeper in the field.

Casey Mears - I love riding hot drivers and Mears is a driver I consider hot. Is he Joey Logano hot? Nope, but he is Casey Mears hot. Just look at his finishes over the past 7 races: 17th, 31st, 23rd, 18th, 24th, 18th and 20th. Those are his finishes during the chase so far! 4 of his 7 races have ended inside the top 20. Anytime a driver such as Mears can finish around 20th, then it's a pretty good day. He finished 20th back at Chicagoland and we are using the same tire as we did there. He also finished 18th at Charlotte and 23rd at Kansas. Those are the three other 1.5 mile racetracks we have been to during the chase. Mears is pretty cheap in most fantasy formats, so you should get a great fantasy value on his return.

Kyle Larson - Yes yes I know what I said about Larson earlier this week and I almost convinced myself there for awhile. But Larson qualified pretty good and I always been a sucker for that kind of thing. Also he was one of the few drivers who made any race runs during Friday (if I am not mistaken), not to mention I think most have moved on from Larson. If I were going to employ him in any of my fantasy lineups, I would say this is the week to do it. Starting up front with solid track record. If Larson is going to finish well, I think it will be at Texas.

Paul Menard - There is my favorite fantasy sleeper! If you have followed my content over the past few seasons, then you should know my love for Paul Menard. Typically I list him much more often early in the season, but he have had a solid chase so far. Therefore I am willing to give him a chance at Texas! I believe Menard is at his best on the intermediate racetracks. I think Texas is one of his better tracks on the schedule. So far in the chase, he have finished 5 of the 7 races inside the top 19 and 4 of those ended in 17th or better. Clearly that's nothing to be proud of, but remember he is a middle of the road type driver, too! At best you can expect a top 15 from Menard at this point of the season. For those of you looking to play it safe, then Menard could be your go-to-guy. Since making his debut in 2011 with RCR, Menard have finished 9th-18th place range in 6 of 9 races at Texas. His other finishes consist of 41st (had a top 5 car in that race), 27th and 5th (in his debut with RCR). Roll with him if you trust him enough!

Twitter - @Garryy12