Fearless NASCAR Predictions - Charlotte

If NASCAR can move its Sprint Cup race from Sunday afternoon to Saturday night, then we can move our predictions for the top 10 finishers up a day, too. Last week's forecasts went 6-4, leaving us with a season record of 140-150. That's right; the only thing separating us from a .500 record is a perfect 10-0 week. Shouldn't be that hard, right?

1. Jimmie Johnson. Lather, rinse, repeat.

2. Jeff Gordon. Does winning the pole mean he's finally ready to win a race again?

3. Kyle Busch. Among the drivers in this year's Chase, he has the best recent record at Charlotte.

4. Tony Stewart. His Charlotte record isn't quite as strong, but he does have the hot hand by virtue of last week's win.

5. Ryan Newman. Speaking of hot hands, Newman has finished in the top 10 in 6 of his last 7 races. And that race where he didn't finish in the top 10? He finished 11th.

6. Denny Hamlin. If Johnson falters in any way, shape or form, Hamlin will be in the best position to benefit.

7. Mark Martin. Longtime readers of this blog know that Martin has won here 4 times. Coincidentally, 4 also is his starting spot this week.

8. A.J. Allmendinger. With three top 10 finishes in his last five races and a 3rd-place starting position this week, Allmendinger is no longer eligible for the term "long shot." (He's also no longer eligible for our lineup, but still ...)

9. Carl Edwards. He helped his slim Sprint Cup hopes by qualifying on the front row with Gordon.

10. Dave Blaney. Anyone brave enough to sport this paint pattern has to be our medium to long shot. If nothing else, we know he won't be a "start and parker" with that paint on his hood.

Make sure you vote in the football polls on the right side of this page. We need you, the Internet, to help us pick the players that the People's Pigskin will start this week against cowboys romero. We'll be back with the fantasy football predictions.