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:

-- Sam Farmer

*--* Play him *--*

*--* Drew Brees QB, Saints Brees, who has averaged 252.7 yards passing over the last three games, should punch holes in Detroit’s defense. Matt Forte RB, Chicago Smarting from a Pro Bowl snub, Forte should get the call early and often against the Packers, particularly if the weather is foul. Andre Johnson WR, Houston The Texans’ go-to guy, Johnson is coming off an 11-catch, 207-yard effort against Tennessee. *--*

*--* Bench him *--*

*--* Tyler Thigpen QB, Kansas City Although Thigpen has played surprisingly well this season, Miami has made a lot of quarterbacks look bad. Warrick Dunn RB, Tampa Bay Dunn has been held to fewer than 50 yards in each of the last two games, and the Chargers are tough against the run. Terrell Owens WR, Dallas Word is, the Cowboys have worked out some secret plays that exclude him. Kidding. Actually, Ravens should be all over Romo. *--*

*--* Give him a chance *--*

*--* Matt Cassel QB, New England In the last six games, Cassel has thrown for three touchdowns twice, and for four once. Now, he faces a struggling Arizona defense. Pierre Thomas RB, New Orleans With Reggie Bush finished, Thomas will be asked to step up against the Lions. And he has been playing well lately. Antonio Bryant WR, Tampa Bay Bryant has caught 17 passes and scored three touchdowns in the last two games. He could give the Chargers problems. *--*