Saints vs. 49ers: Players Who Must Step up for New Orleans to Advance

After making quick work of the Detroit Lions on Wild Card Weekend, the New Orleans Saints will face a much tougher test from the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday. Everybody knows Drew Brees will come ready to dominate, but here are three unsung heroes who need to step up to ensure the Saints advance.

Chris Ivory

Ivory has watched his role in the offense increase over the past month as Sean Payton searched for more balanced from his offense. He didn't make the most of his opportunities against the Lions, however, gaining just 47 yards on 13 carries.

The Saints will need better production from him if they plan on solving San Francisco’s top-ranked run defense. New Orleans will need to exhibit some semblance of a running game in order for Brees to have passing lanes to utilize.

Since Ivory is the team's best power runner, it will be up to him to wear down the San Francisco defense to make sure the offense reaches maximum efficiency.

Roman Harper

New Orleans got a scare earlier in the week when it appeared that Harper's playing status was up in the air. Luckily for the Saints, he's returned to practice and should be ready to play on Saturday, according to Rotoworld.

He's the most important player on the defense because the 49ers will be looking to pound away with Frank Gore, and Harper's one of the best run-stopping safeties in the NFL. Without him there would have been a huge void in the secondary.

He'll be asked to make sure Gore doesn't run wild like Marshawn Lynch did last season to eliminate the Saints. Watch his movement early in the game to see if his ankle is holding him back.

John Kasay

Kasay has become used to kicking a lot of extra points, but he'll probably be forced into field-goal action a lot more this weekend. Finding the end zone won't be nearly as easy for the Saints offense as it was vs. Detroit, making every point crucial.

The 42-year-old veteran has lost a little range from his younger days as evidenced by his 40-percent mark from beyond 50 yards, but he's still reliable from more reasonable distances (21-of-21 from inside 40 yards). That makes the 23-yard line a target goal for Brees and Co.

Don't be surprised if the game ends up being on his foot as time expires. Making a kick in a situation like that would be the definition of stepping up.