Best Fantasy NASCAR Picks: Top 12 Drivers to Watch at Nashville

Kyle Larson (#5 – Hendrick Motorsports)

When it comes to Nashville, Larson’s name is practically etched in the concrete. He won the inaugural Cup race here in 2021 and hasn’t slowed down since. He’s smooth in traffic, surgical with tire wear, and always finds a way to the front on long runs. His high stage point average makes him fantasy gold, especially at a track like this.

Pros: Dominant past performance at Nashville, including a win; elite on intermediates.

Cons: Vulnerable to pit road errors, which have cost him track position in a few races this year.

2. William Byron (#24 – Hendrick Motorsports)

Byron’s 2025 season has been one of quiet consistency and Nashville fits that script. While he hasn’t won here yet, his ability to adapt and maintain long-run pace keeps him in the conversation. Byron finished top 10 at Nashville last year and has logged big stage points all season. His team’s strategy calls are among the sharpest in the garage.

Pros: Top-tier consistency and stage racing acumen.

Cons: Still chasing that first win on Nashville’s concrete.

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

Bell thrives at technical tracks and has become a master of execution in tricky conditions. He’s led laps at Nashville and typically runs well at similar concrete surfaces like Dover. Bell is especially good at capitalizing during late-race chaos, a big plus when yellows fly late. His short run speed is among the best in the series.

Pros: Sharp restarter, dangerous in closing laps.

Cons: Has struggled converting strong runs into wins here.

4. Chase Elliott (#9 – Hendrick Motorsports)

Elliott has momentum on his side and Nashville is the kind of track where he can keep it rolling. While he’s still chasing his first win of the season, he has shown poise and adaptability. His strong finishes at concrete ovals and his ability to conserve tires make him a smart play.

Pros: Patient racer, excellent in long green-flag stretches.

Cons: Stage points haven’t been his strong suit this season.

5. Tyler Reddick (#45 – 23XI Racing)

Reddick is my go-to pick this week, and for good reason. He’s been knocking on the door at Nashville, with a third-place finish in the 2024 Ally 400 and leading laps in previous races . His adaptability on concrete tracks, combined with his aggressive yet calculated driving style, makes him a formidable contender. Reddick’s performance in practice sessions has also been impressive, often topping the charts .

Pros: Strong recent finishes at Nashville; excels on concrete surfaces.

Cons: Needs to maintain consistency throughout the race to capitalize on stage points.

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

The veteran knows how to get it done—and Nashville is one of those places where his experience shines. Denny’s run here in 2023 was solid, and he’s been strong on concrete tracks throughout his career. With two wins already this year, he’s a top-five threat.

Pros: Elite race management and pit strategy.

Cons: Sometimes fades late if track position slips.

7. Ryan Blaney (#12 – Team Penske)

Blaney’s recent form and his knack for finding speed at concrete tracks like Bristol make him a sleeper threat from within the top 12. He’s been top-tier in stage racing lately and has quietly become one of the most complete drivers on the grid.

Pros: Excellent stage scorer, confident under pressure.

Cons: Needs to close races stronger for maximum value.

8. Ross Chastain (#1 – Trackhouse Racing)

Chastain is a wildcard, and sometimes that’s exactly what you want. He won at Nashville in 2023, showing he has what it takes to tame this track. He’s aggressive, which can be a blessing or a curse in fantasy scoring.

Pros: Previous winner here, explosive upside.

Cons: Risk of overdriving and incident points.

9. Joey Logano (#22 – Team Penske)

Logano’s been steady if not flashy, but Nashville could be the stage for a surge. He knows how to manage tires and has the veteran savvy to make smart decisions late. His history at similar tracks puts him in the conversation.

Pros: Tactical racer, potential top 10 sleeper.

Cons: Lacks recent dominance to fully trust.

10. Alex Bowman (#48 – Hendrick Motorsports)

Bowman flies under the radar but has been racking up solid results all season. He finished in the top 10 at Nashville in 2023 and tends to shine on worn-out surfaces where tire strategy becomes critical. His ability to adapt mid-race makes him a smart fantasy play when others struggle with setup.

Pros: Consistent top-10 potential; excels on longer green-flag runs.

Cons: Can get caught in mid-pack traffic if qualifying goes poorly.

11. Chase Briscoe (#19 – Joe Gibbs Racing)

Briscoe has surprised many with his strong intermediate-track performances in 2025. Nashville’s unique layout plays to his strengths—he’s not afraid to wheel the car when grip fades. Though still relatively new to JGR equipment, he’s showing signs of top-tier speed.

Pros: Bold driver with top-5 upside; great on restarts.

Cons: Inconsistent week to week; risky if looking for stability.

12. Bubba Wallace (#23 – 23XI Racing)

Bubba has been scrappy and effective at tracks where rhythm and patience pay off. He’s had flashes of brilliance at Nashville, including stage points and long-run speed that’s quietly improving. If he avoids trouble early, he could be a major fantasy value.

Pros: Stage point upside; trending in the right direction.

Cons: Needs a clean race to stay in contention.