Fantasy Preview: Phoenix

The series returns to Phoenix for only the second time since the track repaving and reconfiguration, and though track repaving usually makes it hard to pass for the first few years, this repave is not having the same effect. In last November's race, the passing was great and the new configuration made overall speeds faster. With Jeff Gordon winning this race last year and Kasey Kahne winning the November race, lets see where they fall in this week's fantasy preview.

FANTASY PREVIEW: PHOENIX

The Favorites:

Jimmie Johnson: Hands down, the most dominate driver at Phoenix and always a threat to win. I know his crew was just suspended 6 races, but that shouldn't slow him down. Johnson has never finished worse than 15 here in his entire career and he only has finished outside of the top 10 three times. Oh, not to mention, he has 4 wins here.

Carl Edwards: Probably had the car to beat in this race one year ago, but got caught up in a wreck. He's nearly as consistent as Johnson is here, only finishing outside of the top 10 five times. Roush already looks strong this year, so it wouldn't be surprising to see Cousin Carl win here for the second time.

Kyle Busch: Yeah, you're gonna see him in this category a lot this year, but the guy can win nearly anywhere. Dominated this race one year ago until Gordon passed him with 8 to go. Only has an average finish here of 15th, but he consistently leads laps.

The Darkhorses:

Jeff Gordon: It's hard to put a four time champion in a darkhorse spot, but Gordon can be pretty hit or miss here. Yes, he did win this race one year ago, but that was also on the old surface and configuration, and on his first race on the new configuration he finished 32nd. Still, his crew chief Alan Gustafson knows how to win here, and it won't hurt having help from new teammate Kasey Kahne who won here last.

Kasey Kahne: Same as Gordon, it's hard to put the defending race winner at Phoenix here. But until last season, he hadn't had a top 10 here since 2006. He and crew chief Kenny Francis found something that worked on the new surface last time though, so their combination could reap the rewards.

A.J. Allmendinger: Has a pole here and racked up two top 10's here last year and has only finished worse than 18th here once. In his new, stronger equipment, he should be a great contender.

Stay Away From:

Juan Pablo Montoya: He only has two career top 10's here and has only even started in the top 10 once. Has an average finish of 17th and just never seems to run strong at this place.

Matt Kenseth: Yes, I know, I'm an idiot and put him here last week when he ends up being the race winner. I didn't realize Roush was gonna run that strong, honest! Anyway, he has one win here, very early in his career, and is on and off ever since. I'd say he could get you a top 20 easy, but a top 10 might be hard to come by.

Paul Menard: One career top 10 finish here, thats it. Though it was in the last race here, he still has an average finish of 23rd here, not exactly what you want on your fantasy team.

Good luck picking! Sunday isn't too far away!