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

*--* Philip Rivers QB, San Diego Chargers receivers are big enough to create mismatches all over the field against Atlanta. Michael Turner RB, Atlanta Turner has to be dying to show the Chargers what they missed in letting him go. Reggie Wayne WR, Indianapolis The Colts are rolling, and Browns top cover man Eric Wright will have his hands full with Marvin Harrison. *--*

*--* Shaun Hill QB, San Francisco He’s up against a Bills defense that’s allowing an average of one passing touchdown a game. Peyton Hillis RB, Denver The Jets haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher this season and have held all but three rushers to fewer than 50 yards. T.J. Houshmandzadeh WR, Cincinnati Ryan Fitzpatrick is a sack magnet, and the Ravens simply aren’t going to give the Bengals time to get the passing game going. *--*

Give him a chance

*--* Sage Rosenfels QB, Houston If he can protect the ball, he’ll find Andre Johnson and Kevin Walter open all day. Warrick Dunn RB, Tampa Bay With Earnest Graham done for the season, Dunn is The Man for the Bucs’ running game. Roddy White WR, Atlanta Chargers Quentin Jammer and Antonio Cromartie have been vulnerable, especially when the opponent has a running game. *--*

-- Sam Farmer