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

*--* Jay Cutler QB, Denver Cutler, who outplayed Brett Favre last week, should have a big game against Kansas City if he can avoid the turnovers that plagued him last time. Adrian Peterson RB, Minnesota Yes, he’s got a tender ankle. But Peterson ran for 111 yards against Detroit last time, and the Lions have continued to head downhill. Roddy White WR, Atlanta Although the Falcons are going to feed New Orleans a steady diet of Michael Turner, White should get plenty of chances. *--*

*--* Tony Romo QB, Dallas He might be taking off the pinkie splint, but Romo is facing a smothering defense on the road. Frank Gore RB, San Francisco Gore, normally a sure fantasy starter, has had a couple of off weeks. Sunday, he’s playing against an outstanding run defense. Santana Moss WR, Washington He’s a star receiver, but Moss will be more of a decoy against a tough Ravens defense. This game will be about establishing the run. *--*

Give him a chance

*--* Shaun Hill QB, San Francisco The Jets are vulnerable against the pass -- look what Cutler did last Sunday -- and Hill has thrown seven touchdown passes since Week 10. Chester Taylor RB, Minnesota Sure, he’s not the starter. But when a running game is facing Detroit’s defense, there are plenty of carries and yards to go around. Calvin Johnson WR, Detroit The Lions are going to be throwing from the start, and Johnson will be on the receiving end. *--*

-- Sam Farmer