Comments: NASCAR Picks for Phoenix

It was a wild season opener to say the least, and while fantasy owners are probably hurting a bit from the typical Daytona mayhem, there are a few lessons that can be learned from the 2012 Daytona 500. For starters, Matt Kenseth is an underappreciated driver, both in real life and in fantasy leagues. Secondly, there is nothing on the track Juan Pablo Montoya won't hit. If 100 NASCAR fans were asked to pick a driver that could possibly find a way to hit a jet dryer under caution and cause a two-hour delay, 99 of them would have said Montoya. After Sunday's race, it's safe to say he would win unanimously. Thankfully, nobody was hurt in the bizarre situation.

With another Daytona 500 in the books, the fantasy season really begins this weekend at Phoenix International Raceway. Daytona is a crap shoot, but the intermediate ovals like PIR are where fantasy titles are won. Sunday's race will be the first chance owners have to get a real feel for the drivers and teams in 2012. Keep a close eye on drivers like A.J. Allmendinger and Clint Bowyer, who are driving for new teams this season. Try to get a feel for which organization has its act together out of the gate, as well. Roush Fenway Racing gets the nod after Daytona, but that could easily change in the dessert. Owners definitely want a strong showing this weekend at PIR, but the long-term knowledge gained from the race can be as valuable as the points earned.

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