FireKeepers Casino 400 Picks, Odds & Predictions 8/18/2024
FireKeepers Casino 400
Sunday, August 18, 2024
2:30 PM EST
Michigan International Speedway
Brooklyn, MI
With short track racing and the fender bender action behind us from the Cook Out 400, we can now move on to the FireKeepers Casino 400 that will be hosted by Michigan International Speedway. While there used to be two races a year in Michigan for the Cup Series, NASCAR has shaken things up a bit and trimmed the two races down to one at the Michigan oval. This two-mile track is impressive and has given us some of the fastest speeds that NASCAR has ever recorded. In 2014, Jeff Gordon had a qualifying lap of 206.558 mph, and it still stands as the fastest lap recorded at Michigan International Speedway. With all the changes to the performance and aerodynamics of the new cars, we've seen speeds come down a bit over time, however, we're still seeing them in the 190's. With this race being the only one of the season in Michigan, there are a lot of unknowns, but with Pocono a few weeks in the rear-view mirror, drivers can take what they learned at that big oval and apply it here. It might be the most similar track to what we'll see this weekend.
![nascar picks Austin Dillon predictions best bet odds](http://www.docsports.com/images/lib/orig/nascar-picks-austin-dillon-predictions-best-bet-odds-1.jpeg)
One major difference between Pocono and MIS is that drivers will stay wide open on this track while there is a bit of braking in Pocono. That said, while Pocono is a good comparison, the best way to get an idea of who might finish in the top part of the pack is to look at the race from last season. There were 28 lead changes and 16 drivers who led for at least one lap. It was a really exciting race with a small margin for victory. We've all been waiting for some speed and we're going to get it this weekend in Brooklyn.
Cook Out 400 Recap
While it was controversial, Austin Dillon was able to get his first Cup Series win in two seasons and set himself up for the playoffs that are approaching quickly. Dillon was able to secure this win rear ending the race leading Joey Logano which put him into the wall. He then moved low on the track and contacted Denny Hamlin as he was driving by. He was able to finish the race in the lead right before the yellow caution flag came out.
Get all of our Nascar Betting Picks
NASCAR Playoff Standings
Kyle Larson still holds down the number 1 spot with 4 wins and 779 points on the season. Denny Hamlin sits in second with three wins and 758 points, while Christopher Bell has 701 points and 3 wins. Right behind him is William Byron with three wins and 678 points. Holding down the fifth spot is Ryan Blaney with two wins and 702 points. There are seven other drivers with one win each and four more spots available to first time winners on the season. As the playoffs approach, these races should become more exciting as drivers are fighting for a spot in the mix and jockeying for position in the playoff standings.
FireKeepers Casino 400 Odds
Denny Hamlin - +650
Kyle Larson - +700
Martin Truex Jr. - +700
Kyle Busch - +800
William Byron - +800
Kevin Harvick - +850
Tyler Reddick - +850
Christopher Bell - +1000
Ryan Blaney - +1100
Bubba Wallace - +1200
Joey Logano - +1400
Chase Elliott - +1500
Ross Chastain - +1700
Ty Gibbs - +1800
Brad Keselowski - +2200
Alex Bowman - +4000
Daniel Suarez - +4500
Chris Buescher - +5000
Noah Gragson - +7500
Aric Almirola - +10000
Austin Dillon - +10000
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. - +10000
Erik Jones - +12500
A.J. Allmendinger - +20000
Austin Cindric - +25000
Michael McDowell - +25000
Ryan Preece - +25000
Chase Briscoe - +30000
Justin Haley - +30000
Austin Hill - +40000
Harrison Burton - +50000
Corey LaJoie - +75000
Todd Gilliland - +150000
Cole Custer - +300000
Josh Bilicki - +500000
Ty Dillon - +500000
J.J. Yeley - +500000
Denny Hamlin is coming off a strong showing in Richmond and has a great deal of momentum heading to MIS this weekend. He is a two-time winner here in Brooklyn and three runner-up finishes. He looks like a great pick for this weekend.
Guy's Pick: Take Denny Hamlin (+650)
Get $60 worth of FREE premium member picks. No Obligation. No Salesman. No Credit Card. Fast Sign up with Instant Access Click Here
Get all of Doc's Sports most recent NASCAR picks and predictions here
- FireKeepers Casino 400 Picks, Odds & Predictions 8/18/2024
- Cook Out 400 Picks, Odds & Predictions 8/11/2024
- Brickyard 400 Picks, Odds & Predictions 7/21/2024
- USA Today 301 Picks, Odds & Predictions 6/23/2024
- Toyota / Save Mart 350 Picks, Odds & Predictions 6/9/2024
- Enjoy Illinois 300 Picks, Odds & Predictions 6/2/2024
- Coca-Cola 600 Picks, Odds & Predictions 5/26/2024
- NASCAR All-Star Race Picks, Odds & Predictions 5/19/2024
- AdventHealth 400 Picks, Odds & Predictions 5/5/2024
- Cook Out 400 Picks, Odds & Predictions 4/7/2024