2018 NASCAR Monster Energy Playoffs Odds

• Kevin Harvin and Kyle Busch are favored to win the NASCAR Monster Energy Playoffs
• Should Harvick still be favored after his penalty at Texas?
• Is Joey Logano a worthy longshot?

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The 2018 NASCAR Monster Energy Playoffs will come to a head this weekend (November 18th) at the Homestead-Miami Speedway. Four drivers have qualified for the final four, and whichever of them produces the best result on race day will be crowned the Champion.

Historical Performance of Final Four Drivers

Throughout their NASCAR careers, the final four drivers have shown significant prowess in the playoffs. Kevin Harvick has consistently been a strong contender, taking the championship in 2014. Kyle Busch, another dominant figure, won the title in both 2015 and 2019, demonstrating a knack for performing under playoff pressure. Martin Truex Jr celebrated a memorable playoff victory in 2017, showcasing his ability on the biggest stages. Meanwhile, Joey Logano secured the championship in 2018, proving his mettle against top competition. Preparing for this weekend's race, each brings a unique blend of experience and skill, making the championship battle an exciting prospect for fans.

For earlier odds, see our last NASCAR article.

2018 NASCAR Monster Energy Playoffs Odds

Driver	MyBookie Odds
Kyle Busch	+225
Kevin Harvick	+225
Martin Truex Jr	+275
Joey Logano	+350

Kevin Harvick and Kyle Busch Showdown?

Although Joey Logano was the first to secure his spot in the finals, most are projecting the race to be a showdown between Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick. The two have dominated the 2018 season, with each scoring eight victories, but don’t count out Truex or Logano.

Truex obviously won this race last year, but that doesn’t make him stand out in this crowd. Harvick won in 2013, Kyle Busck won in 2015, and Logano is the only driver without a Homestead win.

Analysis of Homestead-Miami Speedway Performance

The Homestead-Miami Speedway has been a decisive venue for these drivers over the years. Kyle Busch and Kevin Harvick both have wins here, with Busch's notable victory delivering him the 2015 championship, and solid performances highlighting their adaptability. Martin Truex Jr's success in 2017, when he clinched the title at Homestead, marked another career high point. Though Joey Logano hasn't won at this track, his consistent top finishes add to his threat level. With each driver having key moments here, the track's characteristics are a test of their adaptability and strategy.

Logano’s also one of the the only drivers without a win on an unrestricted 1.5 mile course. Harvick won at Las Vegas, Kansas, and the most recent Texas race. Busch won the only other race of that type, at Texas earlier in the year. That’s probably why the betting market has the two favored, without an earlier race at Homestead all we have to go on is performance in similar conditions. In that respect, Harvick stands alone.

Harvick’s Illegal Spoiler

Harvick also stands alone in that he’s the only driver in this group to have been penalized by NASCAR for illegal modifications. After his Texas win, his car was found to have an illegal spoiler, which would generate a considerable advantage on long, fast courses.

The penalty raises some uncomfortable questions for bettors. Harvick was found with an illegal spoiler on a 1.5 mile, unrestricted track. Had his standout performance at other races of that type been influenced by a similar cheat?

Impact of Penalties on Championship Outcomes

The penalties can tilt the scales in this high-stakes environment. Several drivers have felt the sting of penalties reshaping the championship race, creating opportunities for others. Instances like Harvick's Texas penalty can shift public perception and betting odds. Historically, penalties like these have cast long shadows, affecting team strategy and driver morale. They emphasize the importance of adhering to regulations, adding layers of complexity to championship dynamics. With the playoffs so competitive, even minor infractions can become major narrative threads, influencing race outcomes and championship trajectories.

Stewart-Haas racing don’t seem put out by the illegal spoiler, and it’s unclear if it was used earlier in the season. Greg Zipadelli of SHR had the following to say about the penalty: “We work tirelessly across every inch of our race cars to create speed and, unfortunately, NASCAR determined we ventured into an area not accommodated by its rule book…”

That’s not exactly reassuring for Harvick’s bettors!

Playoff Betting Advice

These odds are very flat, and almost veer into pick’em territory. If the race is set to be a Busch/Harvick showdown, I’d take Busch. We don’t know how much Harvick’s performance earlier this season was thanks to illegal aerodynamic advantages, but it’s safe to assume that the effect was considerable.

The post 2018 NASCAR Monster Energy Playoffs Odds appeared first on My Top Sportsbooks.

Original source: https://www.mytopsportsbooks.com/free-picks/motorsports/2018-nascar-monster-energy-playoffs-odds/

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