Würth 400: Byron Primed for Texas Triumph
The Bissett Perspective: DFS picks Nascar Cup Series Race @ Texas Motor Speedway
Texas Motor Speedway is set to host the Würth 400 this Sunday at 3:30 PM ET, and I’ve got you covered with the top Daily Fantasy Sports (DFS) picks for DraftKings. With TV coverage on FS1, expect high speeds and thrilling action. This week's selections aim to maximize your lineup's potential, focusing on drivers with strong track records, place-differential upside, and favorable betting odds. Let's dive into the drivers to watch!
1. William Byron: Würth 400 Contender
DK Salary: $10,800
Starting Position: 2nd
Latest Betting Line: +650
William Byron enters the Würth 400 as a formidable contender, carrying a potent blend of speed and Texas Motor Speedway success. Since the dawn of 2024, Byron has consistently showcased exceptional pace on high-speed intermediate tracks, making him a prime favorite this weekend. Texas Motor Speedway, with its sweeping turns and demanding layout, has historically been kind to Byron. He snagged a victory here in 2023, followed by a solid third-place finish last season, and a seventh-place run in 2022. This consistent performance underscores his comfort and mastery of the track.
Byron's 2025 season has been nothing short of remarkable. In the first ten races, he's notched seven top-six finishes, including a notable fourth-place finish at Las Vegas Motor Speedway, a track configuration that closely mirrors Texas. This further solidifies his suitability for this race. Despite clocking a relatively slow 15th-fastest in Saturday's practice, Byron remained unfazed, attributing the time to starting in traffic, which affected his ability to put down a clean lap.
For DFS players, Byron's elevated salary reflects his significant race-winning upside. While the price tag is hefty, his potential to dominate and lead laps makes him an attractive option. A moderate amount of exposure to Byron is advisable, given his proven track record at Texas and his current exceptional form. With the latest betting lines placing him among the top contenders at +650, Byron is a driver to watch closely.
2. Tyler Reddick: A Texas Threat
Salary: $10,200
Starting Position: 17th
Latest Betting Line: +1200
Tyler Reddick, a former victor at Texas Motor Speedway, brings a compelling combination of skill and track knowledge to the table. His career average finish of 9.3 at this track is a testament to his prowess here. While his performance at Las Vegas earlier this season was not up to par, his showing at Homestead-Miami Speedway just a few weeks ago was promising, indicating that he's finding his rhythm on similar tracks.
The 23XI Racing team has a history of performing well on this type of track, and if they manage to dial in the setup this weekend, they could very well find themselves in Victory Lane. Reddick is overdue for a win, and this race might just be the one where he breaks through. While Hendrick Motorsports has largely dominated recent Cup events at Texas, Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing has proven capable of snatching a win, showcasing his ability to challenge the frontrunners.
Since joining the Cup Series, the No. 45 Toyota driver has consistently been one of the top performers at Texas. In six starts, Reddick boasts one win, four top-10 finishes, and that impressive average finish of 9.3, ranking him second among all active drivers. He's led the second-most laps in the last three Cup races at Texas and holds the highest Driver Rating in that span (111.3), further solidifying his status as a Texas specialist.
In practice, Reddick ranked eighth in single-lap times and fifth in 10-lap averages, suggesting that he has both the raw speed and the consistency needed to contend. With 23XI having been one of the fastest teams at Texas with the Next-Gen car, and Reddick starting from 17th, he possesses substantial upside. Those seeking an alternative to the Hendrick drivers should definitely consider Reddick for their DFS lineups this week. With betting odds at +1200, he presents a solid value proposition.
3. Joey Logano: Dark Horse with a Strong History
Salary: $9500
Starting Position: 27th
Latest Betting Line: +2000
Joey Logano, starting from a less-than-ideal 27th position, presents an intriguing option for DFS players seeking a driver with significant place-differential potential. Logano boasts a strong recent track record at Texas Motor Speedway, with five Top-5 finishes in his last nine attempts, including a runner-up finish in 2022. In 31 career starts at Texas, Logano has secured 13 Top-4 results, demonstrating his ability to consistently run up front at this track. Despite finishing 11th last season, he led 14 laps, indicating his potential to contend for the lead once again.
Logano showcased decent long-run speed in practice, suggesting that he can make up ground throughout the race. While some sources list him as an underdog with +2000 odds, his history at Texas suggests that he should not be counted out. Logano is also looking to rebound from last weekend's disqualification at Talladega due to a spoiler infraction, adding extra motivation for a strong finish this week.
Given his track record and the potential for a significant place-differential gain, Logano is a compelling option for DFS players willing to take a calculated risk. If he can navigate through the field and avoid trouble, he could deliver a substantial return on investment.
4. Brad Keselowski: Seeking Redemption
Salary: $7600
Starting Position: 30th
Latest Betting Line: +5000
Brad Keselowski is currently enduring the worst start to his NASCAR career. This challenging season was further compounded by a disastrous week at Talladega, where a Lap 43 wreck led to a disappointing 36th-place finish. The 2012 Cup Series champion currently sits 32nd in the standings, a significant distance from a playoff spot. However, Keselowski is setting his sights on a turnaround at Texas Motor Speedway, a track where he has historically experienced success.
Throughout his career, Keselowski has secured 14 top-10 finishes in 29 starts at Texas, demonstrating his familiarity and comfort with the track. Starting in 30th, he'll need to lean on that experience to climb through the field and salvage valuable points. For DFS players, Keselowski represents a high-risk, high-reward option. While his recent form is concerning, his track history and starting position offer the potential for a significant place-differential gain. If he can avoid trouble and capitalize on opportunities, he could deliver a solid performance at a relatively low price. However, given his current struggles, proceed with caution.
5. Ricky Stenhouse Jr.: Place-Differential Specialist
Salary: $6200
Starting Position: 34th
Latest Betting Line: +15000
As has been the case for most races this season, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. appears to be a solid place-differential play at Texas Motor Speedway on Sunday. Qualifying way back in 34th place for this weekend's Würth 400, the Cup Series veteran should be able to move up significantly through the field. In nine of the 10 Cup Series events this season, Stenhouse has had positive place differential, which is very important for DFS scoring, making him a consistent and reliable choice in this category.
At a DraftKings price of only $6,200 this week, Stenhouse is a cash-core option because of his upside. Stenhouse has finished 23rd, ninth, and 27th in the three Next Gen races at Texas and also finished 18th at Las Vegas earlier this year after qualifying 31st. Las Vegas is the closest track to Texas this season, and Goodyear is using the same tire combination for both races this year, further supporting Stenhouse's potential for success.
Given his low price, high place-differential potential, and consistent performance in this category, Stenhouse is a must-have for cash games and a strong consideration for tournaments. His ability to move through the field and gain valuable points makes him an attractive option for DFS players seeking value.
6. John Hunter Nemechek: A Value Punt with Potential
Salary: $5600
Starting Position: 28th
Latest Betting Line: +20000
Legacy Motor Club's John Hunter Nemechek will start 28th for Sunday's Würth 400 at Texas Motor Speedway. This marks the fourth time in Nemechek's Cup career that he'll start a race lower than 25th at Texas. In four races at the track, Nemechek has three finishes with positive Place Differential, all 22nd or higher, with one DNF due to a crash.
Through 10 Cup events this season, Nemechek has four top-20 finishes with an average finish of 20.0, and six finishes with positive PD scored. In practice, Nemechek's overall lap averages ranked 16th, and he displayed top-20 speeds in the 15 and 20 consecutive lap average categories, indicating his ability to maintain a consistent pace.
Nemechek has solid upside based on his starting position, and with equipment capable of a top-20 finish, he is worth rostering in all formats as one of the better value punt options. His low price allows you to spend up on other premium drivers, making him a valuable asset to your DFS lineup.