DraftKings NASCAR DFS Picks: Indianapolis

“It was special from day one, and I don’t think it’s ever changed. You get that tickle in your stomach that tells you you’re home.” – Tony Stewart

Oh boy, the goosebumps that only racing at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway can provide are back.

The NASCAR Cup Series has had an often tumultuous relationship with this historic institution of speed, but there is no question that the Brickyard 400 is special. For a race fan, it just feels right. Growing up I remember watching Tony Stewart, Jimmie Johnson and Jeff Gordon make the track their playground.

These days, it’s a little harder to read as to who will run well and who won’t. 

July 26 will mark only the third time the Next Gen car will take on the famous oval. Without a doubt, the last two winners, Bubba Wallace and Kyle Larson, have to be on the list of contenders. I would also bank on Christopher Bell and Denny Hamlin being realistic threats to win. 

Also keep an eye on Chase Briscoe. After all, Indiana drivers have a great reputation to uphold for their performance at their home track. Plus, Toyota has been just so successful this season on fast, aerodynamic-dependent tracks that they’re all good options. 

I would not expect another dominant performance from Joey Logano, though. As good as the three-time champion was at North Wilkesboro Speedway last week, this is a whole different ballgame, and Team Penske doesn’t have the same punch in Cup that its NTT IndyCar Series counterparts have there. 

Fantasy Forecast

Kyle Larson, $10,700

All right, I can hear you all calling your favorite fantasy racing writer that he’s not sticking to his promises.

A few weeks ago, I promised that I would not pick Larson until he won again, and he absolutely has not.

But guys, he’s finished first and second in his last two starts there. How can I not in good conscience tell you not to pick him? He’s great here.

I don’t know if the winless streak ends here, but Larson is your best weapon at Indy.

William Byron, $9,700

William Byron has been underwhelming all season, there is no arguing that.

However, I’m making this pick based on practice times from Friday (July 24). His lap average was second to only Larson. If there’s any driver-crew chief combo that extended practice plays to, it’s Byron and Rudy Fugle.

If they can qualify well, the famous No. 24 is an under the radar favorite.

Ty Gibbs, $8,800

Ty Gibbs continues to impress me each and every week.

At North Wilkesboro, he overcame trouble on pit road that set him way back in the field and converted it into another top-five finish.

This week, his practice times were incredible, best of all the Joe Gibbs Racing Toyotas. It’s worth noting, also, that this was the track that seemed to turn Gibbs’ career around a bit back in 2025.

It’s where he claimed the first In-Season Challenge million-dollar prize, which may not have seemed like a big deal at the time. This season, it could bring him his first crown-jewel opportunity.

Carson Hocevar, $8,300

There isn’t a driver in the field not from Indiana who admires this place any more than Carson Hocevar.

From being present for Carb Day for the Indianapolis 500 in May to giving a playful wave upon taking the track, it’s obvious that he wants to win this one bad. I also love the speed of the No. 77 Chevrolet Camaro on these big tracks.

I don’t know if he’s ready to win the big ones quite yet in his young career, but since he can qualify well, there’s no reason to believe he can’t stay there.

Erik Jones, $7,300

I continue to be impressed by Erik Jones in 2026. Despite a miserable night in North Wilkesboro last weekend, I loved watching he and his teammate get some shine in practice Friday. The Michigan-born driver is going to give Legacy Motor Club its first postseason bid.

I already told you guys in the intro that I love Toyota this weekend too. So if you’re looking for a value pick, look no further than this guy.

Ricky Stenhouse Jr., $5,300

Why pick Ricky Stenhouse Jr. this week? Well, the best reason is that he is cheap. But another reason is that he was surprisingly quick in practice, posting the 19th-best time.

If he is able to do anything with that kind of speed and run top 20, he’s worth the money.

Top Bets of the Week

Kyle Larson, +550

I’m going to get torn to shreds in the comments, but I’m cool with it. Larson has to win at some point, and Indy just suits him so well. Heck, if he doesn’t win, he’s a surefire top-five contender, so maybe put your money there too.

Dark Horse: Carson Hocevar, +1800

Hocevar is undoubtedly a huge threat this year at the Brickyard. His ability to be fast everywhere the series goes is impressive enough, but it’s his approach and appreciation for the track that makes him my favorite dark horse for this prestigious race. It also helps that he just won the pole, too.