Comments: NASCAR Picks for Talladega

Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski and Denny Hamlin have looked like the drivers to beat for the 2012 Cup Series title since the Chase began, and three races into the Chase, they have separated themselves from the pack. However, their comfortable cushion could be erased this weekend when the series heads to Talladega Superspeedway. The "Big One" is always lurking at the restrictor-plate track, and in a matter of seconds a dozen or more cars could end up trashed. The first three races have been telling, but the drivers that emerge from Talladega at or near the top of the standings will truly be the frontrunners for a championship.

For fantasy owners leading their leagues, this weekend's race is your last major hurdle. Avoid a disaster, and you should be able to cruise toward a title of your own. For those owners that aren't currently leading their leagues, this is your best chance to gain a lot of ground in a hurry. Let's face it. Anything can happen at Talladega, and an unconventional lineup can easily outperform a lineup filled with big names. This is the race to load up on sleepers, cross your fingers and hope your drivers avoid the inevitable multi-car wreck. If you need a Hail Mary to win your league, this is your chance.

1. Brad Keselowski, Miller Lite
2. Clint Bowyer, 5-Hour Energy
3. Dale Earnhardt, Jr., National Guard/Diet Mountain Dew
4. Kevin Harvick, Budweiser/Rheem
5. Kasey Kahne, Farmers Insurance/Quaker State
6. Jeff Burton, Caterpillar/Cheerios
7. Greg Biffle, 3M/Bondo
8. Jimmie Johnson, Lowe's/Kobalt Tools
9. Kyle Busch, Mars Brands/Interstate Batteries
10. Carl Edwards, Fastenal/Aflac/UPS/Subway
11. Denny Hamlin, FedEx
12. Jeff Gordon, Drive to End Hunger/Axalta
13. Paul Menard, Menards
14. Matt Kenseth, Husky/Dollar General
15. Martin Truex, Jr., NAPA Auto Parts
16. Tony Stewart, Bass Pro Shops/Mobil 1
17. Joey Logano, Shell-Pennzoil
18. Trevor Bayne, Motorcraft/Quick Lane
19. Jamie McMurray, McDonald's/Cessna
20. Aric Almirola, Smithfield Foods
21. Sam Hornish, Jr., SKF/AAA
22. Kurt Busch, Furniture Row
23. David Ragan, CSX Transportation/Peanut Patch
24. Michael Waltrip, Aaron's Dream Machine
25. David Gilliland, Love's Travel Stops/A&W Restaurants
26. Juan Montoya, Target
27. Ryan Newman, Quicken Loans/Haas Automation
28. Marcos Ambrose, Stanley/Dewalt Power Tools
29. Regan Smith, Guy Roofing
30. Travis Kvapil, Burger King/Doctor Pepper