FANTASY FORECAST

There might not be an NFL team that plays locally, but let’s face it, thousands of us have fantasy league rosters that we draft and manage. Each week, Times NFL writer Sam Farmer will offer a few tips to the wise:

Play him

Bench him

*--* Peyton Manning QB, Indianapolis No surprise here: The Lions have a lousy secondary with only four interceptions -- one fewer than the NFL record low for a season. DeAngelo Williams RB, Carolina Denver is bracing for a run/catch threat who has nine touchdowns in his last four games. Greg Jennings WR, Green Bay Every receiver licks his chops against Jacksonville, and, after a down week, Jennings is due. *--*

*--* Brett Favre QB, New York Jets He has the potential for an off-the-charts game, but in the last two weeks he hasn’t done much at all. Tim Hightower RB, Arizona He had a big game against the Rams but hasn’t rushed for more than 35 yards in the last five games. Besides, Minnesota has been great against the run. Calvin Johnson WR, Detroit Megatron’s hand is hurting, which means the only player who has worse touch than Johnson this week is whomever the Lions are starting at quarterback. *--*

Give him a chance

*--* Tyler Thigpen QB, Kansas City In a one-point loss at San Diego last month, Thigpen threw for 266 yards and three touchdowns. Steve Slaton RB, Houston Yes, he’s facing Tennessee. But Slaton has rushed for 120-plus yards in three of the last four games. Davone Bess WR, Miami He isn’t the downfield threat Ted Ginn Jr. is, but this rookie is a solid possession receiver. That’s important against the 49ers. *--*

-- Sam Farmer