Modest, deep sleeper options to consider for NASCAR DFS at Kansas Speedway

The NASCAR Cup series has a rare Thursday start at Kansas Speedway tonight for the Super Start Batteries 400 Presented By O’Reilly Auto Parts.

Points leader Kevin Harvick also got lucky and caught the pole for tonights event by random draw as well. He’ll be followed by Joey Logano, Aric Almirola, Ryan Blaney, and Martin Truex, Jr. But what we’re looking for here are bargain drivers that have a chance to score some DFS points from further back in the field.

We break down some of the best picks to round out your roster below, and you can set your lineup here.

Modest Sleepers

William Byron ($7,800)

The disrespect for him has finally made him cheap enough again where he’s still got value. Does he wreck too much, and in the wrong spots? Absolutely. But started 25th here last time out and finished 5th. Has put up at least one fastest lap in each of his last six Cup races, and is starting 15th today so there’s place points to be had. He’s either the unluckiest driver on earth, or should stick to racing at home on his computer depending on your perspective, but he’s got good enough equipment where this far below par has value.

Clint Bowyer ($7,500)

The most popular driver on the circuit heads to his home track for this one, and he’s possibly fighting for his contract with Stewart-Haas Racing. In his last six races at home, has three Top 10’s and three Top 20’s. Started 17th and finished 11th last week at Kentucky for 45 DFS points. It’s all coming together for what should be a great loop today for the car starting in 19th position.

Deep Sleepers

Michael McDowell ($6,200)

We’re going to keep taking him until people realize he’s fantasy gold. Averaging 31.1 points per race this season, and if you take out his wreck in the #2 race at Pocono, that’s 45.6 points in each of the last seven regular Cup races. He should be checking in each week around $7,000, but still gets priced between $5,000-$6,500 each week. With apologies to not-best-friend Bubba Wallace, he’s the best bargain out there.

Bubba Wallace ($6,300)

And speaking of the driver that’s gotten his glow-up this season, it’s not just off the track speaking about issues of social justice where Wallace has really found his groove. He’s been consistently putting up better results all season, and is getting closer to breaking through. His DFS salary is down $800 from last week because he’s had three pretty bad results at Kansas, but this season he’s been putting up personal bests at plenty of tracks, so he’s got a chance to do that here. Will start 17th today, and has been putting up lead laps several times this season to add to his total. There’s a bargain to be had here.

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ/WV/PA) or 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN) or 1-800-522-4700(NH/CO). NH/NJ/WV/IN/PA/CO only. 21+ (18+ NH). Eligibility Restrictions Apply. See website for details.