Upset alert: Best bets to win way in at Indianapolis

The prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway adds another element of intrigue this weekend as the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series regular season comes to a close. The famed Brickyard, site of so many memorable NASCAR moments, could deliver another one if a surprise driver wins his way into the postseason. Here are the five drivers below the cutoff line for the final playoff spot we think are most likely to do just that.

Kasey Kahne

Let's start with the defending race winner. True, Kahne's car at Leavine Family Racing doesn't have quite the speed as his car at Hendrick Motorsports last year, but Kahne has had enough good runs here over the years to be our top upset pick.

Daniel Suarez

Of all the drivers facing a must-win situation, Suarez probably is the fastest of the bunch. His Indy history is strong, as well -- one top-five finish and two top-10 finishes in three total NASCAR national series starts.

Ryan Newman

Another driver with an Indianapolis win to his credit (2013), Newman was third here last year, has qualified in the top 10 four of the past five races and generally has had a faster No. 31 Chevrolet in recent weeks. Crew chief Luke Lambert isn't afraid to gamble (see: last season's win at Phoenix), and we know what Newman is capable of with a playoff spot on the line (see: 2014 fall race at Phoenix).

William Byron

What a win this would be for Byron in his rookie year. The 20-year-old won at The Brickyard in last year's NASCAR Xfinity Series race, and no team has a better history at Indianapolis than Hendrick Motorsports.

Jamie McMurray

McMurray has a reputation for being a big-game hunter, so to speak, and he's won at The Brickyard before. His stats this season suggest this would be a big upset, but he's pulled them off before.