Staff picks for today’s Cup race at Phoenix

By
Dustin Long,

By
Dustin Long

Published March 11, 2018 08:00 AM

Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 - Qualifying — DAYTONA BEACH, FL - FEBRUARY 11: Team owner, Rick Hendrick, stands with Alex Bowman, driver of the #88 Nationwide Chevrolet, Jimmie Johnson, driver of the #48 Lowe’s for Pros Chevrolet, and Chase Elliott, driver of the #9 NAPA Auto Parts Chevrolet, during qualifying for the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Daytona 500 at Daytona International Speedway on February 11, 2018 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)

Here’s a look at who the NBC Sports staff is picking to win today’s Cup race at ISM Raceway.

Nate Ryan

Kyle Larson holds off Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin.

Dustin Long

After several close calls, Chase Elliott gets his first career Cup victory.

Daniel McFadin

Alex Bowman wins his first career Cup race at his home track after coming close two years ago.

Jerry Bonkowski

I may sound like a broken record, but I’m going to stay with Jimmie Johnson. He has to win one of these days, and Sunday is as good a day as any, given the way his season has started out so disappointingly (29th in points)