2025 Jack Link’s 500 Fantasy Preview: Breaking Down the Top 12 for Talladega

1. William Byron (#24 – Hendrick Motorsports)

Byron’s been the class of the field this season. He won the Daytona 500 and has had great track position awareness in the draft. He knows how to work with teammates and has shown he can time his moves when it counts.

Bryan’s Gut Call: Safe top-10 play with race-winning upside—as long as he survives the late-race shuffle.

2. Denny Hamlin (#11 – Joe Gibbs Racing)

Superspeedway vet. Hamlin is the guy who always finds a way to be in the right place at the right time. He might not lead every lap, but he’s a closer—and Talladega loves a closer.

Bryan’s Gut Call: If he’s in the top 5 with five laps to go, he’s winning this thing.

3. Christopher Bell (#20 – Joe Gibbs Racing)

Bell’s been on fire this season, but his superspeedway resume isn’t quite as flashy. He’ll likely run conservatively early and go for it late—which, hey, is often the smart play here.

Bryan’s Gut Call: High-risk, high-reward. I’d only slot him in if you’ve got a solid backup plan.

4. Kyle Larson (#5 – Hendrick Motorsports)

Larson and Talladega have a rocky history. He’s been on fire recently, but Dega is still the one track that seems to trip him up more often than not. If he stays clean? Sure, he can win. But that’s a big “if.”

Bryan’s Gut Call: I’ll be holding my breath if I play him. Boom-or-bust all the way.

5. Chase Elliott (#9 – Hendrick Motorsports)

Chase is a Dega darling with a couple of wins here already. He knows how to be patient, and his fans will definitely be out in full force—especially since this is practically home turf.

Bryan’s Gut Call: Quiet early, strong late. A top-5 finish wouldn’t surprise me one bit.

6. Ryan Blaney (#12 – Team Penske)

Blaney might be the most underrated superspeedway racer in the field. He knows how to manage the draft and work with teammates, and he’s got a couple of Talladega wins to prove it.

Bryan’s Gut Call: Strong pick. Pencil him in for a top 10—and don’t be shocked if he’s battling for the win.

7. Tyler Reddick (#45 – 23XI Racing)

You already know I’ve got Reddick locked in, and while he hasn’t won at Talladega yet, he’s trending in the right direction. Plus, 23XI’s cars are fast on superspeedways.

Bryan’s Gut Call: Sleeper win potential. If he gets track position late, he’s going for it.

8. Bubba Wallace (#23 – 23XI Racing)

Talladega’s been good to Bubba—this is where he got his first Cup win. He’s confident here and always seems to be in the mix when it counts.

Bryan’s Gut Call: Great value pick this week. Top-10 feels likely, and he could win it with the right push.

9. Joey Logano (#22 – Team Penske)

You either love or hate Joey’s superspeedway style—but there’s no denying it works. He’s bold, aggressive, and unapologetically willing to make moves others won’t.

Bryan’s Gut Call: Total wild card. If you can handle the emotional rollercoaster, he’s a high-upside play.

10. Alex Bowman (#48 – Hendrick Motorsports)

Bowman’s had a quietly consistent season and tends to stay clean at superspeedways. Not flashy, but steady—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need at Dega.

Bryan’s Gut Call: If you want a low-drama, top-12 finish, Bowman’s your guy.

11. Ross Chastain (#1 – Trackhouse Racing)

Chastain already has a Talladega win and is never afraid to go full send. That said, his aggressive style can either land him in Victory Lane—or the garage.

Bryan’s Gut Call: Feast or famine. If you’re behind in your pool and need a swing, he’s a good gamble.

12. Chris Buescher (#17 – RFK Racing)

One of the most underappreciated superspeedway racers out there. Buescher has a knack for staying out of trouble and capitalizing when others get too greedy.

Bryan’s Gut Call: Solid dark horse pick. He won’t lead early, but don’t be shocked if he’s lurking in the top 5 with 10 to go.