NASCAR DFS: Daytona 500 Top Drivers & Sleepers for DraftKings & FanDuel

The 2025 Daytona 500 is just around the corner, so rev your engines, because this is NASCAR's most prestigious race. Fans and daily fantasy sports players alike are getting ready for what promises to be a great start to the NASCAR Cup Series season.

This year’s Daytona 500 brings a really competitive field of veteran drivers and rising stars, each with a chance for victory. For DFS players, it's an opportunity to create the perfect lineup and potentially come away with the big money!

Daytona 500 DFS Core Options

Kyle Busch, who enters his 20th Daytona 500, remains one of the most consistent drivers at superspeedway tracks, and this could finally be his year. Despite having never won the Daytona 500, Busch’s track record at Daytona and Talladega speaks volumes. His average finish at Daytona over the last several years is among the best in the field, and he’s been a top contender in numerous races.

Although he’s come close several times, Busch has the experience, speed, and team to challenge for the win once again. He will start from the 21st position and need to move up the field as the race progresses. He has the potential to earn plenty of place-differential points if he's able to finish among the top five.

Practice, media day, qualifying.

It's all in a day's work for @KyleBusch. pic.twitter.com/Eqy7n7t1KM
— NASCAR (@NASCAR) February 14, 2025

Brad Keselowski is another driver considered one of the best superspeedway specialists in NASCAR. However, he has yet to win a Daytona 500. Though he’s had some unfortunate luck in the past at this race track, Keselowski’s skill and experience make him a driver to keep an eye on. He has consistently been competitive in both Daytona and Talladega and starting 34th should result in a plethora of place-differential points.

Don’t be surprised if Keselowski finds himself in the mix for a top finish when the race hits the white flag. That being said, no active driver has more DNF's (Did Not Finish) than Keselowski at Daytona. High-risk, high-reward option.

Active drivers with the most DNF’s at Daytona:

14- Brad Keselowski (31 starts)
12- Jimmie Johnson (40 starts)
12- Kyle Busch (39 starts)
11- Daniel Suarez (15 starts)
9- Joey Logano (32 starts)pic.twitter.com/YOSnWlzjTY
— Talkin’ NASCAR (@TalkinNASCAR) January 29, 2025

Christopher Bell is a driver who’s quietly emerged as one of the top performers at Daytona, with an impressive 6.3 average finish over his last few races. Bell has proven to run consistently fast and is capable of keeping up with the leaders, making him a strong choice for DFS players. With three third-place finishes in his last four Daytona races, Bell can compete when it matters most. Starting closer to the front gives him an advantage, and if he can stay out of trouble, Bell is well-positioned to deliver a solid finish and provide value for DFS owners.

Daytona 500 DFS Bargain Value

For those looking for dollar store options, Justin Haley is our choice. Starting in the 35th position, Haley has a real opportunity to rack up place-differential points throughout the race. While he may not be a top contender for the win, Haley’s history at superspeedways shows he has the potential to surprise with a strong finish. He’s shown he can be competitive at Daytona and Talladega, making him a viable option to consider for DFS lineups, especially as a cost-effective pick.

Daytona 500 Projected Lineup

1. Chase Briscoe, No. 19 Toyota

2. Austin Cindric, No. 2 Ford

3. Bubba Wallace, No. 23 Toyota

4. Erik Jones, No. 43 Toyota

5. William Byron, No. 24 Chevrolet

6. Chris Buescher, No. 17 Ford

7. Ty Dillon, No. 10 Chevrolet

8. Denny Hamlin, No. 11 Toyota

9. Ross Chastain, No. 1 Chevrolet

10. Joey Logano, No. 22 Ford

11. Tyler Reddick, No. 45 Toyota

12. Corey LaJoie, No. 01 Ford

13. AJ Allmendinger, No. 16 Chevrolet

14. Todd Gilliland, No. 34 Ford

15. Austin Dillon, No. 3 Chevrolet

16. Ryan Blaney, No. 12 Ford

17. Chase Elliott, No. 9 Chevrolet

18. John Hunter Nemechek, No. 42 Toyota

19. Justin Allgaier, No. 40 Chevrolet

20. Christopher Bell, No. 20 Toyota

21. Kyle Busch, No. 8 Chevrolet

22. Kyle Larson, No. 5 Chevrolet

23. Ty Gibbs, No. 54 Toyota

24. Riley Herbst, No. 35 Toyota

25. Michael McDowell, No. 71 Chevrolet

26. Shane Van Gisbergen, No. 88 Chevrolet

27. Ryan Preece, No. 60 Ford

28. Cody Ware, No. 51 Ford

29. Josh Berry, No. 21 Ford

30. Cole Custer, No. 41 Ford

31. Ricky Stenhouse Jr., No. 47 Chevrolet

32. Noah Gragson, No. 4 Ford

33. Carson Hocevar, No. 77 Chevrolet

34. Brad Keselowski, No. 6 Ford

35. Justin Haley, No. 7 Chevrolet

36. Daniel Suárez, No. 99 Chevrolet

37. Zane Smith, No. 38 Ford

38. Alex Bowman, No. 48 Chevrolet

39. Martin Truex Jr., No. 56 Toyota

40. Jimmie Johnson, No. 84 Toyota

41. Helio Castroneves, No. 91 Chevrolet

Daytona 500 DFS Core Options

Daytona 500 DFS Bargain Value

Daytona 500 Projected Lineup

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