Preseason NASCAR Playoff Predictions: Insiders predict 16-driver field

With the Cup Series season upon us it is already time to start thinking about the NASCAR Playoffs, and who will lock in with a win. 16 drivers will make the field and only one will lift the Bill France Cup in Phoenix.

Every season there are surprise winners in the NASCAR Playoffs. So, it can be difficult to predict who will make the 16-driver field.

On The Teardown, Jeff Gluck and Jordan Bianchi of The Athletic talked about the 16 drivers they predict will make the NASCAR Playoffs. Surprisingly, they agreed on 15/16 drivers.

Playoff Picks: Kyle Larson, William Byron, Chase Elliott, Alex Bowman, Christopher Bell, Chase Briscoe, Denny Hamlin, Ty Gibbs, Joey Logano, Ryan Blaney, Tyler Reddick, Chris Buescher, Ross Chastain, Shane van Gisbergen, and Michael McDowell.

When it comes to that final spot, the two journalists differ. Here is Gluck’s reasoning for Brad Keselowski making the postseason.

“That’s actually a big plus for me,” Gluck said. “I like Bullins. I like what Bullins specifically did with Brad when they were together at Penske, and they did not break up on their own accord. Brad left to go to a different team and even thought about trying to see if he can bring Bullins with him. Now they’re reuniting and I think they have good communication and they know what each other is looking for. And Brad had a very consistently good season last year in terms of just running well overall.

“He didn’t win much but he won one race. I think he might be a little bit rejuvenated here with a new crew chief and that’s why I have him making it. I actually think he can make it on points even if he doesn’t win so that’s where my confidence there came from.”

As for Jordan Bianchi, he has his eyes on Kyle Busch. Will Rowdy get things turned around this season and make the NASCAR Playoffs?

“One name we haven’t talked about, by the way, Kyle Busch. … He’s the top of my list, I have to say I think Kyle Busch makes the playoffs,” Bianchi explained. “If I have to pick a 16th guy, he’s my guy. The talent is obviously there. He elevated that team to a much better level than they were at a year ago. He just did not have the speed behind it. If they can find a little bit more speed, I feel confident that Kyle is going to find a way to get at least one win. Or maybe even, he’s a smart enough racer to by the way get points. So, if I had to pick a 16th guy, that’s my guy, Kyle Busch in.”

Two veteran drivers. Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch – which would you choose? Two former champions entering the final phase of their careers. Will one or both of these drivers make the NASCAR Playoffs?