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 Donovan McNabb McNabb, who has never lost to the Falcons, is going up against the league’s No. 26 pass defense - QB, Philadelphia and has Brian Westbrook and Kevin Curtis back. Chris Johnson Flip a coin here: Johnson or LenDale White. The Titans are going to run to keep the ball out of RB, Tennessee Peyton Manning’s hands. Andre Johnson Even though Cincinnati’s pass defense has been solid, stopping Johnson is a major chore for any WR, Houston team. BENCH HIM Derek Anderson It looked as if Anderson was on the right track with his big game against the Giants, but he took a QB, Cleveland step backward last Sunday. Terrell Owens Benching Owens is risky, but will Brad Johnson have time to get the ball to him against the WR, Dallas Buccaneers? Willie Parker Parker has been banged up this season. Plus, throwing against the Giants will be too tempting. RB, Pittsburgh GIVE HIM A CHANCE Deuce McAllister The Chargers have been so-so against the run, and without Reggie Bush the onus falls on RB, New Orleans McAllister. Philip Rivers San Diego is starting to get healthy on offense again, and Rivers has had some great games this QB, San Diego season. Donnie Avery He’s coming off breakout games against Washington and Dallas, and the Patriots’ secondary is WR, St. Louis vulnerable to the big play. *--*