NASCAR’s version of the playoffs begins this weekend with the Myafibstory.com 400 from Chicagoland Speedway and the first chance for the final 16 drivers standing to make a statement. The new playoff structure makes it that much more important for drivers to secure a win this weekend. Brad Keselowski is the leader heading in to the Chase after a strong run but it’s important not to sleep on the top two Hendrick Motorsports’ drivers either. Here is a quick look at the four-best bets on the board.
Brad Keselowski +500
The current points leader is coming off a win at Richmond last week and has placed in the top-10 in three of his last four starts. Keselowski has also finished in the top-seven at Chicago in each of the last three years including a victory here in 2012 so it’s easy to understand why he is the favorite to win this weekend. Keselowski will carry plenty of momentum and confidence in to this event and he should once again be among the two or three drivers that are in contention for the win.
Jeff Gordon +500
Gordon moved to +350 to win the Sprint Cup title this week marking the first time all year that he has been listed on his own as the outright favorite. The move reflects the consensus that Gordon is on track to win his first Cup title since 2001. Some will shy away from Gordon for this race after he finished outside of the top-20 here in both 2011 and 2012 but he did place sixth here last season and he has plenty of confidence heading in to this weekend. The Hendrick Motorsports’ team holds plenty of cards with all four of its drivers inside the Chase and Gordon is the best option among them.
Jimmie Johnson +600
Speaking of Hendrick drivers it is never a good idea to overlook the reigning champion in the position of hunter as he looks to repeat. Johnson has placed in the top-five at Chicagoland in each of the past two years including a second-place finish in 2012 and there is every reason to think he will be in contention this weekend. The driver of the No. 48 car has never won at this track but he has had a lead here in every race since 2002 but one so the narrative is there for him to finally come through and get that elusive victory.
Kyle Busch +1200
Arguably the best value at longer odds Busch is an excellent sleeper bet to steal a victory at Chicagoland this weekend. He hasn’t won here since 2008 but he looked good last year when he led the race for 67 laps before ultimately coming up short. Busch is the only driver other than Johnson to finish in the top-five here in each of the last two years and if he can finally put it altogether he could guarantee his spot through the first round of cuts and provide an excellent payout for betters at the Myafibstory.com 400 this weekend.
