Comments: NASCAR Picks for Homestead-Miami

Ten months of racing comes to a conclusion this weekend when the Cup Series heads to Homestead-Miami Speedway for the finale of the 2012 season. NASCAR's dream of having a repeat of last year's epic duel between Carl Edwards and Tony Stewart went out the window when a cut tire sent Jimmie Johnson slamming into the wall. Now, Brad Keselowski is in the driver's seat and takes a 20-point lead to Homestead. Yes, the same bad luck that struck Johnson last weekend could strike Keselowski Sunday, but if Keselowski avoids trouble, he is going to be the 2012 champion.

For fantasy owners, your strategy for the finale depends completely on your position in your league. If you are comfortably out front, don't get crazy. Pick the drivers that have been reliable all year and finish things out. If you are within striking distance of the top spot, try taking a chance on one or two different picks in an attempt to gain some ground. If you are buried down the standings, try for the Hail Mary to gain as many points as possible before the season ends. What's the worst that can happen? Even if all your longshots turn out to be busts, you are in the same spot you were before you gambled. Pick the strategy that's right for you, and enjoy the final race of the 2012 Sprint Cup season.

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