1994 Bonniville SSE bad acceleration

I know nothing about cars so I am not sure how to descrie it well. Everytime I start to go from a dead stop the car's acceloration is VERY poor. Sometimes giving me a knocking type sound or internal backfire or whatever. what are some ways to help make the car run better?

could it be a fuel filter problem?

try new plugs and make sure to ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS!!!!!! use premium gas!!!!!!!!!!