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 Brian Griese Denver’s pass defense is vulnerable and Buccaneers-Broncos figures to be a shootout. QB, Tampa Bay DeSean Jackson With a banged-up Brian Westbrook, Jackson’s role has become increasingly prominent. WR, Philadelphia LaDainian Tomlinson In the fourth quarter at Oakland, Tomlinson showed the flash that has defined his best years. RB, San Diego GIVE HIM A CHANCE Larry Fitzgerald Buffalo has a good pass defense, but with a beat-up Anquan Boldin, the Cardinals will look WR, Arizona elsewhere. Matt Hasselbeck With Deion Branch and Bobby Engram back, Hasselbeck is looking a lot better. QB, Seattle Joseph Addai The Texans are skittish about Manning, which opens the door for Addai. RB, Indianapolis BENCH HIM Kerry Collins The Titans have a modest passing offense, and they’re facing Baltimore’s top-ranked defense. QB, Tennessee Larry Johnson He’s coming off a big week, but Panthers will challenge Chiefs to beat them with the pass. RB, Kansas City Derrick Mason Joe Flacco isn’t likely to have a big day against a tough Titans defense. WR, Baltimore *--*