NASCAR Cup Series: 2018 round-by-round playoff predictions
Round of 16
Predicting the first four out is usually easy. Of course, every year, we seemingly have some surprise star who faces issues and fails to make it into the round of 12.
Though I should learn from my mistakes, I can’t help but use common sense while making these picks. That’s why I have gone with the obvious choices to make an early exit. So here we go.
The first four drivers I have out are Austin Dillon, Aric Almirola, Alex Bowman and Jimmie Johnson.
These picks may be shocking to some, but you have to consider the entire field of drivers. When it comes to Dillon, it’s nearly an obvious pick to eliminate him. He has had the worst regular season performance of all playoff drivers, and he made the playoff field solely because of his Daytona 500 victory.
Dillon is the definition of why the “win and you’re in” dynamic is simply a gimmick. Instead of drivers such as Ryan Newman and Daniel Suarez earning a shot at the championship, Dillon gets to take up a valuable playoff spot due to his win seven months ago.
Next, Aric Almirola. I have seen a lot of Almirola believers this season, but as I stated in my post on “pretenders”, he just doesn’t have what it takes to win a championship in 2018. I’m unsure if he will ever reach that level, but he is a guy who I firmly believe won’t make it far in the cutthroat playoffs.
Third, Alex Bowman. Bowman falls into a category similar to Almirola. I believe both are capable of making the round of 12, but they will struggle when the cookie crumbles. Bowman is entering his first career playoffs, and most drivers struggle their first time at-bat. In a couple of years, we may discuss him as a title favorite, but for now, I expect an early exit.
Lastly, Jimmie Johnson. Don’t wake up the neighbors when you scream at this one, but Johnson isn’t winning the title in 2018. Don’t let memories of 2016 keep your hopes alive. He isn’t a threat.
Unlike past seasons, Johnson has yet to find victory lane heading into the playoffs and he continues to show that his lucky horseshoe has made an exit. He can’t seem to catch a break, and I don’t think his break will come in the next 10 weeks. He will be gone before you know it.