NASCAR: Five predictions for the Alabama 500 at Talladega

TALLADEGA, AL - MAY 07: Ricky Stenhouse Jr., driver of the #17 Fifth Third Bank Ford, leads the field past the green flag to start the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series GEICO 500 at Talladega Superspeedway on May 7, 2017 in Talladega, Alabama. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 08: Ryan Blaney, driver of the #21 Motorcraft/Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center Ford (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) /

Second prediction: Ryan Blaney will upset the field to win on Sunday

As a matter of fact, yes…Ryan Blaney does drive a Ford for Wood Brothers Racing. With the dominance Ford has displayed in the last four Talladega races, it’s time for an upset winner. That winner could very well be Ryan Blaney.

Of course, 2017 has been a solid season for Toyota and specifically Martin Truex Jr., but this just means it is time for another surprise race winner. Blaney currently sits in 11th place in the playoff standings and could use win to help guarantee his spot in the Round of 8. Also, when you look back at how the playoffs have gone, two drivers have won the four races. Martin Truex Jr. won at both Chicagoland and Charlotte and Kyle Busch won at both New Hampshire and Dover.

It’s time someone unexpected took home the checkered flag. Ryan Blaney would be the best driver to fly under the radar to win on Sunday. Hungry playoff driver…check. Driver of a Ford…check. Belongs to a race team who has won at a superspeedway….check. Its time Wood Brothers Racing gets back to Victory Lane and Ryan Blaney has as good of a chance as anyone to do so this Sunday.

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