What a set of drivers.

1 "rookie" with Carl Edwards (unofficially a rookie). Wow. Can't believe the guy's in the Chase, though I don't think he's good enough or consistent enough to do anything. It's a learning experience for him.

2 veterans with Mark Martin and Rusty Wallace. It's awesome that these guys are both running so well in their final season (well, maybe. It sounds like Martin is coming back next year). As much as I love Martin, he really needs to step it up if this going to be his year. While Wallace hasn't been making waves this year, he's running consistent.

4 former champions with Rusty Wallace, Tony Stewart, Matt Kenseth and Kurt Busch.

5 Roush Racing cars in the Chase with Biffle, Busch, Martin, Edwards and Kenseth. That's every Rousch team. Amazing. The odds just say that one of these guys could win it. As long as they can hold off Tony Stewart I think they've got a shot at a Roush three-peat.

It always seems foolish to pick a winner, especially this far out. A lot can happen in 10 races. But I think there are a few guys to watch. Stewart is the big one. I think the championship is his to lose. Biffle has been running very consistently and it'd be cool to see him make a name for himself among his teammates. Wallace has had a killer veteran season, but I just don't think he's running strong enough. He's consistent, but he hasn't been amazing. Johnson hasn't been running well, but he also has the ability to be one of the guys to beat. If he can get it together, he'll be a threat. Busch has been on a roll, as has Kenseth (though he's got more ground to make up) and I think either could pull it off. Though Martin is my favorite and I'd love to see him win, I'm not sure he can do it. He's got a lot of great drivers to beat and he needs to run better than he has. I hope he goes on a tear and wins at least one race and scores a bunch of top 5s, because that's what he'll need to do it.

I don't think Mayfield, Edwards or Newman have a shot at the Cup. While Edwards has the wins, he just doesn't have the experience. He won't be consistent enough to put together a championship. But the fact that he's here is amazing. Mayfield isn't consistent enough either. I can't believe he's as high in the standings as he is, but just like last year I think he's going to be pretty quiet in the Chase. Newman has the best shot of the bunch, and while he has consistency, I don't think it's good enough.

But I could be completely wrong. We'll just have to see what happens with NASCAR Chase to the Cup.