The stage is set for a fascinating Week 2 matchup between the San Francisco 49ers and the New Orleans Saints. The headlines are obvious: Mac Jones gets the start at quarterback, stepping in for the injured Brock Purdy, and the Niners look to bounce back from a shaky opener.
On the other side, the Saints are trying to find their footing under young quarterback Spencer Rattler and would love to notch their first win of the season in front of a raucous Superdome crowd.
This game may come down to execution in critical moments. With several stars missing for San Francisco — including George Kittle and Brandon Aiyuk — and the Saints breaking in some young starters, there are plenty of key players who will shape the outcome on Sunday. Here's who fans should keep an eye on.
San Francisco 49ers Key Players to Watch
Mac Jones – Quarterback
This is no ordinary "next man up" story. Mac Jones, a former first-round pick, makes his 50th NFL start and brings far more experience than your average backup quarterback. The 49ers' coaching staff has shown full confidence in him, and teammates have been vocal in their support. Jones will need to keep the offense on schedule, avoid costly turnovers, and lean on the run game to keep the Saints' pass rush honest. The spotlight will be bright — but Jones has been here before. No pressure, Mac.
Christian McCaffrey – Running Back
Christian McCaffrey is the heartbeat of this offense, and Kyle Shanahan will lean on him heavily both on the ground and through the air. The challenge will be keeping him fresh into the fourth quarter, when his explosiveness can be game-deciding. Expect to see McCaffrey used in a variety of ways — between the tackles, outside runs, and as a mismatch nightmare in the passing game — but the 49ers must manage his workload carefully to maximize his impact late.
Brian Robinson Jr. – Running Back
Robinson was brought in to be a physical complement to McCaffrey, and Week 2 might be his breakout opportunity. Still getting fully acclimated to the Shanahan offense, Robinson's ability to move the chains and wear down the Saints' front seven will be crucial. If he can keep the offense in manageable situations on second and third downs, it will make life much easier for Mac Jones and allow Shanahan to control the tempo.
Jauan Jennings – Wide Receiver
Jennings is expected to play despite a shoulder injury and missing most of training camp, and that makes him one of the most intriguing players to watch. His role as a tough, reliable third-down target could be critical in a game where every possession matters. How effective he is — and how quickly he shakes off rust — will go a long way toward determining how balanced this passing attack can be.
Ricky Pearsall – Wide Receiver
Pearsall is coming off a 100-yard day in Week 1 and appears ready to take a major step forward this season. His offseason work with Brock Purdy is already paying dividends, and he'll now have to develop quick chemistry with Mac Jones. Look for Pearsall to be featured early as a chain-mover and potential big-play threat downfield.
Kendrick Bourne – Wide Receiver
Back in red and gold for the first time since 2020, Bourne gives the 49ers a much-needed veteran presence. He already has proven chemistry with Mac Jones from their Patriots days, which could make him an instant contributor. The question is whether he is in game shape and ready to be productive right away after missing camp. If he is, he could become a surprise X-factor.
Jake Tonges – Tight End
With George Kittle sidelined, Tonges is the next man up — and he made the most of his opportunity last week with the game-winning touchdown catch. While no one expects him to be Kittle, he needs to be a reliable safety valve for Jones, contribute in the running game as a blocker, and be ready to make a big play if his number is called.
Trent Williams – Left Tackle
Williams is questionable with a knee injury that kept him out of practice early in the week. If he plays, all eyes will be on his effectiveness after a rough Week 1. If he cannot go, Spencer Burford or a reshuffled line will have to hold up against a Saints front led by Cameron Jordan — no small task in a hostile environment.
Upton Stout – Nickel Back
Stout had a rocky start in Week 1 but settled in as the game went along. This week, he'll face a test against shifty slot receivers and Alvin Kamara coming out of the backfield. If he holds his own, it will free up the safeties and linebackers to focus on limiting explosive plays.
Deommodore Lenoir – Cornerback
Lenoir will likely be tasked with covering Chris Olave, the Saints' top wideout. Winning that matchup is critical — if Olave gets loose for big plays, the 49ers' defense could be in trouble. Lenoir's physicality and discipline will be put to the test.
Mykel Williams & Bryce Huff – Defensive Ends
Williams, the rookie, and Huff, the free-agent signing, provide fresh energy off the edge. Together with Nick Bosa, they'll look to pressure Spencer Rattler and force quick decisions. Bringing consistent heat while also setting the edge will be key to preventing the Saints from establishing rhythm.
Eddy Piñeiro – Kicker
After moving on from Jake Moody, the 49ers are counting on Piñeiro to stabilize the kicking game. Every point matters in a road game like this, and Piñeiro's ability to hit routine field goals and extra points could make the difference.
New Orleans Saints Key Players to Watch
Spencer Rattler – Quarterback
The second-year quarterback is still looking for his first NFL win, and San Francisco's pass rush will test him. If Rattler can stay poised, get the ball out quickly, and avoid turnovers, the Saints have a real shot at the upset.
Alvin Kamara – Running Back
Kamara remains one of the most dynamic players in the league. The Saints will try to get him the ball in space and make the 49ers' linebackers tackle him one-on-one. If Kamara gets rolling early, it could open up the entire offense.
Chris Olave – Wide Receiver
Often-injured Olave is the big-play threat that can change a game with one catch. The 49ers must limit his opportunities deep, or risk the Superdome crowd coming alive with momentum-swinging plays.
Rashid Shaheed – WR/Returner
Shaheed's speed makes him dangerous both on offense and in the return game. San Francisco's special teams cannot afford to give him free yards or allow a big return that flips field position.
Juwan Johnson – Tight End
Johnson has become a reliable red-zone target and safety blanket for Rattler. The 49ers' linebackers and safeties must account for him near the goal line.
Kelvin Banks Jr. – Left Tackle
The rookie tackle faces a tall order against Nick Bosa and the 49ers' edge rushers. How well he holds up in pass protection could decide whether Rattler has time to operate.
Cameron Jordan – Defensive End
Even at this stage of his career, Jordan is a game-wrecker. If he consistently wins his matchup, he can make life miserable for Mac Jones and force quick throws.
Demario Davis & Danny Stutsman – Linebackers
Davis remains the heart of the Saints' defense, while Stutsman brings youth and speed to the second level. They will both be heavily involved in trying to slow down Christian McCaffrey and the 49ers' running game.
Alontae Taylor – Cornerback
Likely to draw one of San Francisco's top receivers, Taylor's ability to hold up in man coverage will be crucial. If he can limit big plays, the Saints can stack the box against the run.
Justin Reid & Jonas Sanker – Safeties
With Julian Blackmon out, this duo will be critical in preventing explosive plays downfield and providing run support. If they can force Jones to throw into tight windows, turnovers could follow.
Final Thoughts
This matchup is full of compelling storylines — Mac Jones' debut under center for San Francisco, Spencer Rattler's quest for his first win, and two defenses trying to set the tone early. The game may ultimately be decided by who handles pressure better, both literally and figuratively.
For the 49ers, the formula is clear: run the football effectively, protect Mac Jones, and let their defense pin its ears back. For the Saints, it's about generating early momentum, creating turnovers, and letting their young quarterback play with confidence.
Either way, this one has all the makings of a tight, hard-fought game — precisely the kind of matchup that can define a team's early-season trajectory.