Playoff surprises feeling secure while title threats face elimination

Chris Buescher spoiled the playoff party by winning at Watkins Glen, but he was far from the only one stealing valuable points away from the title contenders. There's also Ross Chastain, who led half the race and won the second stage. In the end, only one playoff driver finished inside the top-ten in a chaotic race, with several finding trouble on the very first lap — shaking up the standings even more, continuing to prove how unpredictable this year's Round of 16 was expected to be. Here's a closer look at where things stand as we close in on the Bristol elimination race.

Surprises near the top