NASCAR Ford Teams Rise In Power Rankings From Atlanta To The Glen

The first race in the 2024 Cup Series Playoffs was Atlanta on September 8^th, 2024, won by Joey Logano in the No. 22 NASCAR Ford. That bumped him up in this week’s Power Rankings, but other Blue Oval teams aren’t looking so hot as the Round of 16 continues this weekend at Watkins Glen.

As per the latest Power Rankings from NASCAR.com, Harrison Burton, driver of the No. 21 Ford Mustang Dark Horse, is the lowest in the 16-driver Playoffs field, ranking dead last in 16^th. He earned just six points at Atlanta after a late-race incident, putting him in dire straits if he wants to make it to the Round of 12. In fact, he might just have to win one of the next two races, or risk being eliminated.

Chase Briscoe doesn’t fare much better. Ranked 15^th, Briscoe’s in a little bit of trouble after wrecking out early at Atlanta and finishing last. Thankfully, he’s had success at the Glen, so he could turn his Playoffs around this weekend. Brad Keselowski, meanwhile, is 14^th after a lackluster race at Atlanta. His No. 6 Mustang tends to struggle on road courses, though, so Watkins Glen may not be the best track for him to find success, but anything can happen.

Austin Cindric slots in eighth, a bit of a surprise considering his late summer slump, but he’s been steadily on the rise over the last few weeks and may yet become a legitimate title threat. His No. 2 NASCAR Ford is expected to have a decent day at Watkins Glen. Meanwhile, Joey Logano is ranked fourth, fresh off his Atlanta win, but his No. 22 Mustang has a love-hate relationship with the Glen. Considering he’s safely locked into the Round of 12 already, he can afford a quiet weekend.

Finally, Ryan Blaney is ranked first. He had a fast No. 12 Mustang at Atlanta and delivered the push that ultimately handed the win to Logano, but he’s not the biggest threat at road courses like the Glen, where he has an average finish of 13^th. Even so, he’s arguably the most consistent driver in the field.