There's no shortage of intrigue at this opener.
We'll see how the crowd reacts shortly, but Adrian Peterson at least received a warm welcome from some of his former Vikings teammates Monday night during pre-game warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings and Saints kick off at 6:10 p.m. CT.
Peterson, the 32-year-old future Hall of Famer, makes his return to Minnesota in his first NFL game outside of a Vikings uniform. The running back will debut for the Saints as part of a timeshare backfield with starter Mark Ingram and rookie Alvin Kamara.
And the Vikings' renewed backfield will debut its own rookie in Dalvin Cook, who will make his first NFL start tonight. It's also a big opportunity for second-year receiver Laquon Treadwell, involved in the three-receiver sets while Michael Floyd is suspended.
The Vikings offensive line will also make its debut as the combination of left tackle Riley Reiff, left guard Nick Easton, center Pat Elflein, right guard Joe Berger and right tackle Mike Remmers did not see a preseason snap together.
Shamar Stephen is one of three defensive tackles active for the Vikings tonight. The run-stopping specialist could see a big role vs. a Saints offense heavily invested at running back.
At halftime, the Vikings will honor legendary receiver Randy Moss by making him the 22nd Ring of Honor inductee and the first at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Vikings' inactives: G Danny Isidora (knee), CB Tramaine Brock (groin), DE Tashawn Bower, DT Jaleel Johnson, WR Rodney Adams, OT Aviante Collins and S Antone Exum Jr.
Saints' inactives: LB Stephone Anthony, LT Terron Armstead, DE Trey Hendrickson, WR Austin Carr, CB Ken Crawley, QB Taysom Hill and LB Nate Stupar.
