May 1, 2016; Talladega, AL, USA; NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers during the GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway. Mandatory Credit: Marvin Gentry-USA TODAY Sports /
Jun 10, 2016; Brooklyn, MI, USA; Sprint Cup Series driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. (left) talks with Sprint Cup Series driver Jimmie Johnson , right, prior to qualifying for the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
Which Driver Will Make The Playoffs After Missing Them In 2016?
Christopher Olmstead: I am not going to reach too far on this one as I think that Dale Earnhardt Jr. will return to the playoffs via winning a race after missing half of the 2016 season.
Alex Herbst: Welcome back Kasey Kahne to the playoff contention race! The #5 team will make a big jump from their 2016 struggles. I expect Kahne to win at least one race in 2017.
Matt Lovisa: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Ryan Blaney, Erik Jones and Clint Bowyer. With Tony Stewart and Carl Edwards both out of the picture and Chris Buescher as a fluke from 2016, there are a minimum of three spots up for grabs. Earnhardt Jr. and Clint Bowyer both have top notch teams and equipment. Erik Jones will run up front enough and Ryan Blaney will just make it in at 16th.
Michael Guadalupe: Ryan Newman and Dale Jr.
Dhruva Byrapatna: AJ Allmendinger, Kasey Kahne, Clint Bowyer. Allmendinger should be able to squeeze out a win at either Martinsville or one of NASCAR’s road courses. Kahne and Bowyer, on the other hand, have nowhere to go but up after a disappointing 2016 season.
Kayla Gipson: How can I not say Clint Bowyer. With a new team and new manufacturer, Clint will be on fire this season. I expect him to win a few races.
Dominic Lee: I think Clint Bowyer makes the playoffs in his first year at Stewart-Haas Racing in his new No. 14 car.
