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

Tom Brady, QB, New England : A sore foot sidelined Brady this summer, but he should be just fine against a Kansas City defense that’s missing Jared Allen.

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Marion Barber, RB, Dallas: No more splitting time with Julius Jones for Barber, who’ll be facing a Cleveland defense that finished 27th against the rush last season.

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Brian Westbrook, RB, Philadelphia: Westbrook is Mr. Everything for the Eagles, who sorely need receivers. He’s facing St. Louis, which in 2007 finished 31st in points given up.

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BENCH HIM

Matt Schaub, QB, Houston : Schaub has looked great in limited action this summer, but he’s at Pittsburgh against last season’s top defense.

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Aaron Rodgers, QB, Green Bay: Brett Favre’s successor makes his first career start on national TV against an improved Minnesota defense.

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Ricky Williams/Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami: Both backs are intriguing, but if the Dolphins are going to platoon them, then starting either is too risky.

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GIVE HIM A CHANCE

Kurt Warner, QB, Arizona: Warner (pictured), who played well last season, is facing a team he knows well. In his last four games against the 49ers, he had seven touchdowns and five interceptions.

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Santonio Holmes, WR, Pittsburgh: Holmes is a dangerous deep threat who has to concern Houston, last season’s 28th-ranked pass defense.

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Ray Rice, RB, Baltimore: The Ravens really like the potential of this rookie, and he’s the only healthy pure running back on their roster. He’ll face a Cincinnati defense ranked 27th last season.