Brad Keselowski (Right) and crew chief Paul Wolfe (Left) confer in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Garage. (Photo: LAT Photographic)

Sleepers

1. Brad Keselowski – Even in the midst of his amazing summer hot streak last year, everyone still wondered if Keselowski was for real. He proved that he was during the Chase, scoring four top-five finishes to wind up fifth in the final standings. Keselowski made the Chase by winning three races and earning one of NASCAR’s two wild-card berths. Now he must prove it was no fluke and he is indeed for real. He will do it without the support of former teammate Kurt Busch, who was released by Penske Racing. Keselowski must now step up and be the lead driver at Penske. He showed last season that he has the talent to both win and contend.

2. Kasey Kahne – No one is faced with higher expectations this year than Kahne and crew chief Kenny Francis, who have moved together to Hendrick Motorsports. Kahne has 12 career victories but has never been a serious championship contender while driving for a variety of mid-pack teams. Now big things are expected at Hendrick, where Mark Martin drove Kahne’s No. 5 car to five wins and second in points in 2009. Can Kahne contend in his first year with Hendrick?

Longshots

1. Greg Biffle – Biffle was a serious contender a few years ago, finishing second in points in 2005 and third in 2008. And he’s made the Chase in three of the past four years, but he struggled last season, going winless, missing the Chase and finishing 16th in the standings. Roush Fenway Racing has put a lot of effort and resources into Biffle’s team this year and he is expected to bounce back. With 16 career wins, including two in 2010, he could rebound quickly and be a factor again. With the way Edwards and Kenseth ran last season, don’t be surprised if Biffle is back in the mix.

2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. – The question with Earnhardt Jr. is not whether he can contend for the championship, but whether he can win a race. He hasn’t won since 2008, though he and crew chief Steve Letarte did return to the Chase last year. Earnhardt Jr.’s goal this season is to make the Chase again and snap that long winless streak. Until he wins again, he’s a ways away from being a serious championship contender.

Ryan Newman won just once in 2011. (Photo: Getty Images)

3. Ryan Newman – Despite his boss’ championship run last year, Newman also is a long way from being a serious title threat. He won a race last year – his second with Stewart-Haas Racing – but stumbled badly in the Chase and wound up 10th in the standings. Newman, who has just four wins in the past seven years, has never finished higher than sixth in points. Stewart’s incredible run last year gives him hope, but Newman and his team has to step up big-time to be more than just a Chase contender.