Giants vs. Saints: Projecting Stats for Darren Sproles and New Orleans Backfield

America is well aware of Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints' potent passing offense. They're one of the most dynamic units in football and have been on an elite level for more than three years now. 

Brees is on pace to break Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record, and Jimmy Graham is having an epic season from his tight end spot. 

And don't forget about New Orleans' running game. 

It is currently "ranked" 21st in football, but it averages 117 yards on the ground per game at 4.6 yards per carry. Right when you think you've got the Saints' receivers figured out, Darren Sproles breaks a 40-yard run to the end zone. 

Let's take a look at how New Orleans' backfield will fare tonight in the Superdome. 

Pierre Thomas

Thomas has had an up-and-down 2011 season. 

He returned from a nagging injury that hindered his production last year and has once again become an integral part of the Saints' running back committee. 

Thomas gets between six and 10 carries a game and is usually featured on a screen or two. 

Against the Giants' inexperienced linebackers, Thomas could have a respectable game, but nothing that'll be the difference between a win and a loss. 

Prediction: 6 carries, 33 yards; 3 catches, 43 yards 

Mark Ingram

Ingram will most likely share carries with Thomas this evening, but the Saints are certainly grooming him to be the future feature back and will give him the majority of the touches. 

Ingram seems to be totally recovered from his injury, and I expect him to receive between eight and 12 carries against New York. 

The former Heisman Trophy winner was held to one yard per carry against the Falcons in Week 10, but he should be a bit more successful tonight. 

Prediction: 9 carries, 40 yards; 2 catches, 32 yards

Darren Sproles

All the Saints' runners were held in check against the Falcons last week. 

Sproles will rebound tonight, though. 

No one makes more of their touches than Sproles, and with the Giants' keying in on New Orleans' talented group of pass-catchers, No. 43 will be featured on a variety of screen and draws from four and five-receiver sets. 

A major factor tonight. 

Prediction: 5 carries, 45 yards; 4 catches, 58 yards, TD