Bristol Preview: Who has the best, worst outlooks?

It is only fitting that the NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs' Round of 16 elimination race is held at “The Last Great Colosseum,” ushering many drivers into sheer survival mode. Which drivers have the best outlook heading into this Saturday night’s race, and which drivers have the worst? NASCAR.com ranks three drivers to watch in each category based on current trends and career performances at the track.

SAFE AND SOUND: Clinched Round of 12

Three playoff drivers head into Saturday night’s showcase knowing they have already advanced to the next round. Kevin Harvick’s win at Darlington Raceway, Brad Keselowski’s win at Richmond Raceway and Denny Hamlin’s spectacular points run locks them each into the title hunt beyond this weekend -- so let’s focus on the others.

BEST: Kurt Busch

Average finish at Bristol: 14.0 (ranks fifth among playoff drivers)

Most recent finish at Bristol: Seventh (won in 2018, 2006, 2004, twice in 2003 and once in 2002)

Comment: Though he currently sits just seven points above the cutline, the elder Busch is heading to one of the tracks he’s had the most success at in recent years. Since collecting his sixth career win at Bristol in 2018 -- second most among active drivers -- Busch has put together a string of three top-10 finishes, including a runner-up performance in 2019. If the theme continues, Busch finds himself in a great position to advance to the Round of 12.

BEST: Joey Logano

Average finish at Bristol: 15.3 (ranks seventh)

Most recent finish at Bristol: 21st

Comment: In 23 starts at Bristol, Logano has completed 99.1% of the 11,517 race laps and led 766. Showcasing his durability at one of the most heavy-hitting tracks should keep the No. 22 in it until the checkered flag. Throughout this season’s playoffs, Logano has had electric speed to collect back-to-back third place finishes. Don’t be surprised if Logano, sitting comfortably 51 points over the cutline, is left standing at the front when the dust settles.

BEST: Chase Elliott

Average finish at Bristol: 12.7 (ranks first among playoff drivers)

Most recent finish at Bristol: 22nd

Comment: Elliott has never won at Bristol (at least in non-All-Star events) and has experienced a roller coaster of finishes here throughout his career, yet he still finds a way to run toward the front almost every time out. If Elliott can stay damage-free, the No. 9 team has shown it has the pace to win any race -- making Elliott and company an outside title favorite. Leave out a 22nd-place finish in the spring race -- though he led 88 laps -- and he’s finished in the top 11 in the previous three, no simple feat in Thunder Valley.

WORST: Aric Almirola

Average finish at Bristol: 25.0 (ranks 15th)

Most recent finish at Bristol: 29th

Comment: Almirola has a brutal seven DNFs at Bristol in just 22 starts -- including crashing out of the last two spring races. His last four trips to the track have each come with top 10 starting positions, yet ended with finishes outside the top 25. Far from locked in to advance to the Round of 12, another DNF could be terminal for the Stewart-Haas Racing driver’s championship hopes. A pair of top-10 finishes so far in this year’s playoffs should have his fans hopeful that he can reverse this trend.

WORST: Ryan Blaney

Average finish at Bristol: 20.7 (ranks 13th)

Most recent finish at Bristol: 40th

Comment: Times couldn’t be more troubling for Blaney and crew after a disastrous start to the Round of 16. Although winning is the simple solution, Bristol has been unforgiving to the young Team Penske driver throughout his career -- averaging a 20.7 finish despite an 8.7 average start. A bright spot for Blaney is that he’s had front-running speed before at the half-mile oval, leading 439 laps in his 10 career starts. But 27 points in the hole and on the verge of elimination, the pressure to change his fortune could be overwhelming.

WORST: Matt DiBenedetto

Average finish at Bristol: 19.1 (ranks 11th)

Most recent finish at Bristol: 31st

Comment: A spectacular run in last season’s night race at Bristol is one of the brightest spots in DiBenedetto’s Cup Series career. However, his runner-up finish doesn’t tell the entire tale of his struggles here throughout his 11 Cup Series starts at the track. Sitting 25 points out of the Round of 12 picture, he will have to show more consistency to stay near the front and have a great points day overall. A win could easily cure all his troubles.