Five to Watch: Consumers Energy 400 at Michigan

BROOKLYN, Mich. -- After Chase Elliott's monumental Watkins Glen win, will the Big 3 take back their throne in the Irish Hills? We tackle the five biggest storylines from the weekend ahead of Sunday's Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series Consumers Energy 400 (2:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN, MRN, SiriusXM NASCAR Radio) at Michigan International Speedway as four races remain before the playoffs begin.

Big 3 threats: Kyle Busch, Kevin Harvick and Martin Truex Jr. are the usual suspects in winner predictions -- but they aren't the clear-cut favorites in the Irish Hills. Michigan native Erik Jones stands out as a favorite to win his second career race Sunday, posting the fastest 10-lap average in final practice. Ryan Blaney, Alex Bowman and Kyle Larson have also recorded solid lap times throughout the weekend. Don't be surprised if all of them are up front battling for the victory.

Risky business: Paul Menard is currently 18th in the playoff standings, 72 points behind the cutline. Although anything can happen between now and the start of the playoffs in Las Vegas, Menard needs to start making moves to earn a win and punch his ticket for the postseason. Menard finished fifth at Michigan in June, so a win is definitely possible. He didn't mince words about the task at hand: 'We just have to swing for the fences a little bit. Strategy calls or some decisions during the race that might put you in jeopardy for a torn-up fender, staying out on tires or something like that. It's go time. It's time to take some risks.'

100 starts: One week after winning his first career Monster Energy Series race, Chase Elliott will celebrate another milestone in Michigan. Sunday will mark his 100th series start and Elliott has all the potential to win two in a row; he owns the best average running position (7.384) and the best average finish (4.6) among active drivers at the 2-mile track. He also hasn't finished outside the top 10 in five starts there. Add to all that some solid speed in the No. 9 car this weekend and he's going to be a tough one to beat with momentum on his side.

Suarez snafu: The weekend didn't get off to a great start for Daniel Suarez, as he slapped the wall before a lap was even recorded in qualifying. As a result, he'll start in the 40th and final position on Sunday. The team worked long hours to repair damage sustained to the right side of the car and had it ready in time for Saturday practice sessions. But things already are looking up for Suarez, who logged the fourth-fastest 10-lap average in final practice. That's good for someone who is in a must-win position to make the playoffs.

Can Denny deliver?: Although Denny Hamlin is 12th in the playoff standings with a 189-point cushion on the cutline, breaking into Victory Lane for the first time this year definitely wouldn't hurt. Hamlin earned his second straight Busch Pole Award of the season at Michigan, one of three drivers to break the 202-mph barrier in qualifying. Another who showed that kind of speed was teammate Kyle Busch, who will flank Hamlin on the front row. Hamlin was fastest in Friday's opening practice and had sound speed in every other session, so look for the No. 11 to haul the mail Sunday.