Saints vs. 49ers: Darren Sproles and 5 Players Key to New Orleans Victory

When the New Orleans Saints travel to Candlestick Park to take on the San Francisco 49ers, it will be a matchup of the best offense in the NFL against the best defense in the NFL.

If the Saints are going to exploit this 49ers team, one that appears to have so few weakness, they'll need playoff-caliber efforts from guys like Darren Sproles.

Sproles led the team in rushing and had over 700 yards receiving this season after being acquired by the Saints in free agency. He is the type of lightning rod player who will be huge in a Saints' victory.

Here are five of those type of guys, led by Sproles.

Darren Sproles

Last week in a rout of the Detroit Lions, Darren Sproles had 85 yards from the line of scrimmage and two touchdowns. He'll need even more against a 49ers defense that is No. 1 in the NFL against the rush.

Sproles is a do-it-all kind of guy. He needs to be extremely active in both special teams and the offense. He needs to have 15 touches at least, and will be a big part of a Saints' win.

Drew Brees

The Saints need Drew Brees to have a similar game to the one he had against Detroit last week. In that game, he completed 77 percent of his passes for 466 yards and three touchdowns.

Brees is the guy who really makes this entire team go. He's the undisputed leader, even for guys who play on the defense. This game will be on his shoulders to win or lose.

Jimmy Graham

Jimmy Graham is Drew Brees' favorite target. That alone makes him huge in this game.

Graham led the Saints in receiving yards, catches and touchdowns this season. Last week, he caught seven passes for 55 yards and a score. That's a good game for the normal tight end, but it's just mediocre for this stud.

Graham needs to have a big game. If he doesn't, Brees will struggle. If Brees struggles, so will the Saints.

Roman Harper

Roman Harper is the heart and soul of the New Orleans defense. He leads the team in tackles and sacks from the safety position and is the clear leader out on the field.

The Saints will need Harper to play big against a 49ers' team that averages 128 yards on the ground per game on the backs of Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter.

Harper will be key for the Saints in stopping San Francisco's running attack.

Patrick Robinson

Patrick Robinson is still a young guy (just two years in the league), but he's already proven that he can play some defense.

Robinson led the Saints in interceptions this season with four. San Francisco quarterback Alex Smith has thrown just five INT's all season long.

The Saints may need a big turnover in this game, and the only way they'll get it is if Robinson can nab a ball from Smith. It won't be easy, as the 49ers' entire offensive scheme is based on keep away, but it is definitely possible.