The time has come; football season is finally here. With the regular 2018 season having opened up last night with the Eagles-Falcons Thursday Night Football showdown, football fans are gearing up for this Sunday’s full day of games as well as Monday night’s primetime showcase.

For us here in the NFC North, this weekend means the Vikings are back and open for business. The Vikings will host the 49ers at noon Sunday. We don’t know about the rest of you Minnesota fans (Green Bay followers need not apply), but we think there’s a lot to be excited about this season.

The Vikings have a new leader on offense with quarterback Kirk Cousins. While expectations will be high with the price paid for Cousins’ talents, we’re optimistic that he’ll get to work. He’ll have some talented help from a receiving corps boasting Stefon “Minneapolis Miracle” Diggs and homestate hero Adam Thielen. There will also be the one-two punch of running backs Latavius Murray and a now-healthy Dalvin Cook to take some of the pressure off of Cousins.

On the other side of the ball, the heart of Minnesota’s defense is still strong and looking to continue making a name for itself. Arguably the best defense in the NFL last year, the Vikings return 10 of the 11 starters from that lineup. In addition, defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson has joined the lineup from Seattle and first-round 2018 draft pick Mike Hughes has been added to coach Mike Zimmer’s defensive arsenal.

We think there’s no reason to not push for another NFC North win for the Vikings this year, and the Minnesota fans here at the Tribune will look to cheer on their team all the way to Atlanta for the 53rd Super Bowl.

Skol Vikings!