Engine won't start without starting fluid and runs rough

My truck won't start even though I hear the fuel pump pressure the system. If I add fuel or starting fluid to the central fuel body it will start. I've checked all the sensors and they are all good. Any ideas where to go from here? Besides the starting problem, if while driving I need to accelerate for passing or load towing, the truck coughs and sputters (it almost acts like its backfiring) while trying to do so. It is unable to do any more than a normal light acceleration.