The NASCAR Cup Series has reached the second race in the Round of 12. The first four races were won by the favorites (Kyle Larson won at Darlington at 6-1 odds, Tyler Reddick won at Kansas at 9-1 odds, Denny Hamlin won at Bristol at 7-1 odds and William Byron at 7-1 odds at Texas). There is a good chance that we will get a driver with some longer odds in Victory Lane at Talladega. This is one of the most unpredictable races on the schedule. The last six races at Talladega had six different winners. I am betting three favorites and three long-shots this week. Hopefully one of my long-shots will make it to Victory Lane.
DRAFTKINGS ODDS FOR TALLADEGA
* The odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook. The odds could change between the time of this article and the time you place your bet.
** The first number is the amount of money based on the second number (the amount of the wager). So if you bet $1 on Brad Keselowski at11-1 odds, you will win $11.
BRAD KESELOWSKI (11-1): Keselowski pushed his teammate (Chris Buescher) to the win at Daytona in August. Could the cars be flipped this week and Buescher push Keselowski to the win Sunday? I think so. Keselowski has been the best driver on the Superspeedways this year, so it is no surprise to see he is the favorite. Keselowski led the most laps in the Daytona 500, finished fifth at Talladeaga in April, second at Dayton in August and second and sixth in the two races at Atlanta. Keselowski has a series-high six wins at Talladega. I will be that he can get another one Sunday.
RYAN BLANEY (12-1): Blaney always runs up front on the Superspeedways and Talladega is his best track. Blaney finished second in this race last year and he finished second at Talladega last April. The No. 12 car has finished six of the last seven Superspeedway races in the top-eight. Blaney is always up front at the end of these races. He just needs some luck and Blaney will be in Victory Lane Sunday.
DENNY HAMLIN (16-1): The stats for Hamlin at Talladega are good but not great. That is why his odds are 16-1. When you look closer, he is one of the best picks in the field this week. Hamlin has an average finishing position of 12th in his last seven races at Talladega (not great). His average finishing position in his last five October races fourth (much better). That includes a trip to Victory Lane in 2020. Hamlin has been one of the best drivers in the playoffs. He is a great bet at his current odds.
ROSS CHASTAIN (20-1): Chastain was the talk of the playoffs last year when he made his Cinderella run to the Championship Four. Chastain is flying under the radar this year. The No. 1 team is running well and avoiding mistakes. Chastain currently sits sixth in the standings. He won the race at Talladega in 2021 and he finished fourth in this race last year. I would not be surprised to see Chastain smashing watermelon in Victory Lane Sunday.
ARIC ALMIROLA (20-1): Almirola is a “boom or bust” driver at the Superspeedways. He always runs up front at the end of the races. Sometimes he finishes up front and the other times he crashes out. Almirola finished eight consecutive races at Talladega in the top10 between 2016 -2020. Can he find that magic again Sunday? I am not sure, but at 20-1 odds, I am will to bet he can.
CHRISTOPHER BELL (22-1): I am betting Bell because of his odds and because I have a gut feeling this could work out. Bell has never won on a Superspeedway, but he has finished up front a few times. Bell finished third in the Daytona 500, eighth at Talladega in April and third at Atlanta. As long as Bell is running up front at the end of the race, he has a chance to win. I will roll the dice with the No. 20 car at 22-1 odds Sunday.
ERIK JONES (25-1): Who should be the favorite to win Sunday? I can make an argument that it should be “That Jones Boy.” Jones finished 6th, 6th 6th and 9th in his last four races at Talladega. The No. 43 car has had a lot of speed lately. Jones has a win at Daytona on his resume. I will bet he can add a win at Talladega Sunday.
Good luck Sunday!
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