Close your eyes, reach your hand in a bag and pick a name. That’s a bit like what it is to predict the winner of a restrictor-plate race, especially at Talladega Superspeedway - where anything can happen.
Undaunted, NBC Sports’ writers take their hand at picking the winner of today’s race on NBCSN:
Dustin Long (@dustinlong)
Austin Dillon
The No. 3 returns to victory lane at Talladega and all feels right in the world.
Daniel McFadin (@danielmcfadin)
Danica Patrick
If the Chicago Cubs can go to the World Series, Illinois native Danica Patrick can win her first Sprint Cup race.
Kelly Crandall (@KellyCrandall)
Brad Keselowski
He’s become one of the best restrictor-plate racers and has been the driver to beat at Daytona and Talladega recently.
Jerry Bonkowski (@JerryBonkowski)
Brad Keselowski
Brad Keselowski has been one of the most successful with two wins in the last four races there and four wins in the last 15 races there. He makes it five wins on Sunday.
Nate Ryan (@nateryan)
Chase Elliott
He hasn’t shown much prowess in restrictor-plate racing yet, but his father’s career is rich in history here, and Hendrick Motorsports has much incentive to propel him to his first career win.