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NASCAR Cup Series: 2018 preseason playoff predictions

By Asher Fair

HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, and Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Toyota, lead the field past the green flag to start the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 19, 2017 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
HOMESTEAD, FL - NOVEMBER 19: Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Express Toyota, and Martin Truex Jr., driver of the #78 Bass Pro Shops/Tracker Boats Toyota, lead the field past the green flag to start the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Championship Ford EcoBoost 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on November 19, 2017 in Homestead, Florida. (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) /
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TALLADEGA, AL – OCTOBER 15: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Caramel Toyota, leads Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images)
TALLADEGA, AL – OCTOBER 15: Kyle Busch, driver of the #18 M&M’s Caramel Toyota, leads Denny Hamlin, driver of the #11 FedEx Ground Toyota (Photo by Brian Lawdermilk/Getty Images) /

Round of 8 predictions

. No. 4. Stewart-Haas Racing, Ford. KEVIN HARVICK. #4

While Kevin Harvick only ended up with two victories in the 2017 season, he was one of the most consistent drivers in the field, and he ultimately ended up finishing in 3rd place in the championship standings after a Championship 4 appearance. Expect him to be just as consistent in the 2018 season as he was in 2017, but do not expect his win total to shoot up, which could cost him a spot in the Championship 4.

DENNY HAMLIN. #11. . No. 11. Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota

Denny Hamlin is a regular championship contender who just can’t seem to actually win his first career title. Don’t expect that to change in the 2018 season, especially given how his 2017 season ended with controversy thanks to multiple on-track encounters with Chase Elliott. Plus, Hamlin has just one Championship 4 appearance in the four seasons during which the round has taken place. He has been strong in the playoffs, but it’s hard to see him taking that next step.

#12. . No. 12. Team Penske, Ford. RYAN BLANEY

Ryan Blaney made the round of 8 in just his second career full-time season in the Cup Series driving for a one-car Wood Brothers Racing team. This season, he is set to drive the #12 Ford for Team Penske, so expect him to continue to have success and at least qualify for the round of 8. However, a Championship 4 appearance may still be out of reach for him even driving for a new and stronger team.

#18. . No. 18. Joe Gibbs Racing, Toyota. KYLE BUSCH

Kyle Busch has what it takes to win his second career Cup Series championship. However, he has had a great chance to do so in each of the past two seasons, but he has been unable to do so. With the Chevrolet drivers and teams set to be more competitive this season thanks to the new Chevrolet Camaro, Busch may end up being prevented from securing what would be his fourth straight appearance in the Championship 4.

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