Rejoice. Be glad. Just get generally pumped. The 2021 NASCAR playoffs are officially underway. We are now one race closer to finding out the winner of the NASCAR Cup Championship. And that means two things.
First and foremost, we still have a long way to go. Second, and most importantly, our 2021 NASCAR Playoff picks will now take us to Federated Auto Parts 400 predictions!
Let's check out the latest NASCAR playoff odds, courtesy of Bovada:
| Driver |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kyle Larson | +165 | +165 | +165 |
| Chase Elliott | +250 | +250 | +250 |
| Denny Hamlin | +275 | +275 | +275 |
| Martin Truex Jr. | +350 | +350 | +350 |
Please remember to confirm these NASCAR odds before making your NASCAR picks. The opening lines will move between now and the opening gun, at not only Bovada but also all other top online sportsbooks.
Nascar Federated Auto Parts 400 Predictions
For anyone who isn't quite familiar with the NASCAR playoff betting schedule, the Federated Auto Parts 400 race is the second of three in the Round of 16. There are, including the Federated Auto Parts 400, nine playoff races left: two in the Round of 16, three in the round of 12, three in the round of eight, and the NASCAR Cup Championship final in the round of four.
Our Nascar predictions and analysis are strictly looking at the outright winner of the Federated Auto Parts 400.
Better Bet: Chase Elliott, Denny Hamlin, or Kyle Busch?
Oddsmakers could not distinguish between a few names near the top of the field. Chase Elliott (+800), Denny Hamlin (+800) and Kyle Busch (+800) are all laying the same odds.
Most will gravitate towards Busch. He is considered one of the three most likely drivers to win the entire Nascar Cup Championship. His knack for remaining near the front of the field also continues to shine through. Only two drivers this season have more top-10 finishes.
Elliott is also in the mix as one of the foremost championship contenders. His 11 top-five finishes are among the most on the circuit, and he pulled off a first-place get as recently as July.
For our money, though, we like Hamlin. Only Kyle Larson (+350) has more top-10 finishes on the season, and while he doesn't yet have a first-place victory, he has shown excellent control when attempting to pass—and stave off passes—from the inside.
Can Ryan Blaney Win Another Race?
Ryan Blaney (+1200) is on fire at the moment. He finished first in the Firekeepers Casino 400 and Coke Zero Sugar 400 races, firmly entrenching himself within the championship discussion.
Still, some will be reticent to choose him when he just picked up a pair of victories so recently and in back-to-back fashion. We don't exactly blame them.
At the same time, he has traditionally excelled in events that demand longer driving. That helps explain why he just won two 400-lap races. The Federated Auto Parts 400 is of a similar ilk, and his control on later laps appears to be reaching a fever pitch at the best possible time. Treat him as a viable threat.
OSB Prediction: Kyle Larson (+350)
Can Kevin Harvick Get His First Victory?
Kevin Harvick (+1400) currently isn't a favorite for oddsmakers. His stock has proven to be turbulent throughout the season. He has zero first-place finishes to go along with just six top-five finishes.
Religious Nascar fans understand this is a stark departure from his performance over the past three years. Just look at his results from 2018, 2019, 2020 seasons:
- 2018: Eight first-place finishes (23 top-five finishes)
- 2019: Four first-place finishes (15 top-five finishes)
- 2020: Nine first-place finishes (20 top-five finishes)
Though Harvick has always been someone who tends to shine later on in this season, his results so far represent a disturbing trend. Many might in turn believes he's simply overdue for some success. They may be right. But we'd recommend getting in no lower than his +1400 moneyline.
OSB Prediction: Kyle Larson (+350)
Federated Auto Parts 400 Pick
This isn't going to be the most shocking pick, but we're inclined to go with Kyle Larson (+350).
Indeed, he is the odds-on favorite, just like he has been for nearly every race this season. But you'll notice he's not a co-favorite because so many in the field have faded later in the year. Larson, for his part, has remained fairly consistent.
What's more, Larson has shown signs of popping lately. He nabbed two straight second-place finishes prior to the Cook Out Southern 500. Beyond that, he just continues to have a great overall season. People actually make it seem like he hasn't won in a while when really, he has three first-place finishes since the start of May alone. He is a worthwhile investment, especially at a 3.5-to-1-payout.
OSB Prediction: Kyle Larson (+350)
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