Power Rankings: Expecting a great Day at The Barclays

• By Golf Channel Digital
• Aug 23, 2011 10:39 AM ET

Here are GolfChannel.com’s Power Rankings, the top 10 favorites for The Barclays:

1. Jason Day: Has progressed from T-31 to T-12 to T-5 the last three years at this event. With a pair of runner-up showings this season and eight top-10s in 17 starts, it's time for a victory.

2. Luke Donald: It's a big event and it's not a major. This is where Donald thrives.

3. Steve Stricker: Three top-3s in this tournament, including a win, over the last four years. Also, above Donald description applies to Stricker.

4. Adam Scott: For whatever reason (caddie, self-confidence, maturity) Scott has been on fire lately. He hasn't finished outside the top 7 Stateside since the start of July.

5. Nick Watney: No. 1 on the FedEx Cup points list entering the Playoffs. A strong showing over the next four tournaments will not only net Watney lots of cash but could also land him PGA Tour Player of the Year honors (see Jim Furyk, 2010).

6. Hunter Mahan: Seven top-10s in his first 13 starts in 2011; zero top-10s in his last eight. The Playoffs give him a chance to press the re-set button on his campaign.

7. Keegan Bradley: He's no longer just a rookie or another smiling face in the crowd. He's a major champion and will have to deal with the pressures that come along with such a title.

8. Matt Kuchar: He's officially the defending champion, but this year's venue (Plainfield Country Club) is different from that of last year (Ridgewood Country Club). Just like in 2010, however, Kuchar enters The Barclays having a steady but winless season.

9. Phil Mickelson: Won a playoff event in 2007 and 2009, but not in '08 or '10. Not surprising since he's always done things in an odd manner. Good thing, for him, that this is another odd year.

10. Webb Simpson: Now a PGA Tour winner, Simpson can play with the "elephant off my back." A lightened load usually produces good results.

Note: This list is compiled from rankings submitted by members of GolfChannel.com's editorial team, based on who is most expected to contend in each upcoming event.

Compete against the GolfChannel.com experts and other fans in our Fantasy Challenge.

For more in-depth fantasy golf coverage, visit Rotoworld powered by NBC Sports.