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2015 Sprint Cup Series Picks & Predictions: Top 10 Drivers in Power Rankings thru Week 7: The first six races of the 2015 Sprint Cup season are in the books, and as the teams prepare for their first off week, it is time to take a closer look at the drivers that are establishing themselves as the early contenders for the Sprint Cup title. Noticeably missing from the rankings is Ryan Newman, and despite a solid start, the announcement that he will be penalized 75 points for using illegally altered tires throws is stock into question. If he continues to run well following the penalty, this his fast start will be a little easier to trust. Until then, here are my top 10 drivers.

2015 Sprint Cup Series Picks: Top 10 Drivers in Power Rankings thru Week 7

1. Kevin Harvick: It says a lot about his performance this year when his eighth-place finish at Martinsville last weekend constitutes a bad run, but when you finish either first or second in the first five races of the year, a top-10 doesn’t seem so special. The bottom line is that the defending champ looks primed to defend his crown in 2015.

2. Joey Logano: He won the Daytona 500, and Logano has basically had a chance to win all six races this year. He is one of three drivers that has finished in the top 10 in all six races, and his 5.5 average finish is the second best in the series. Logano made his first real run at a championship last year and looks more than capable of closing the deal this season.

3. Brad Keselowski: While he somewhat stole his victory at Auto Club a few weeks back, Keselowki’s overall numbers speak for themselves. Since wrecking in the Daytona 500, he has reeled off five straight top-10s, compiling a 5.0 average finish. The 2012 champ is as stout as ever.

4. Jimmie Johnson: Yes, he has had mechanical issues twice this year that have resulted in terrible finishes, but Johnson has finished 11th or better in the other four races. More importantly, he clobbered the field at Atlanta, and he has shown championship-caliber speed when he has been on the track.

5. Martin Truex Jr.: Truex had a rough first season with Furniture Row Racing, but he has been a new driver in 2015. He is one of three drivers that have finished in the top 10 in every single event, and while he is still looking for a win, he does own an impressive 6.2 average finish. It is starting to look like Truex is the real deal.

6. Denny Hamlin: He rediscovered his old Martinsville magic last weekend, and his fifth career win at the track basically guarantees Hamlin a spot in the Chase. Granted, consistency has eluded him so far, but his three top-five finishes are tied for the second most in the series.

7. Dale Earnhardt Jr.: Junior battled multiple mechanical issues at Martinsville that ruined an otherwise promising day. Overall, he has flashed plenty of speed this year, logging four finishes of sixth or better, including three top-five runs. At this point, there is no reason to think he won’t be a title threat.

8. Jeff Gordon: He is rounding into form after being plagued by awful luck to open the year. He has reeled off three straight top-10s, and he was in line to win last weekend at Martinsville before a late speeding penalty. The veteran should be just fine in the long run.

9. Matt Kenseth: It has been a while since Kenseth has won a race, but he has shown solid speed this year, but bad luck at Daytona and Auto Club have him sitting with an unimpressive 16.7 average finish. Overall, he has three top-10s, including two top-five finishes, in six races.

10. Kasey Kahne: Kahne has been tough to peg so far. He doesn’t have any bad finishes, but he only has two top-10s and just a single top-five finish. That being said, his ability to avoid bad finishes is a plus for a driver known for struggling with consistency.

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