It’s September. All my fantasy preparation, and most of my drafts, are complete. NFL rosters have been reduced. Preseason news is winding down. Exhibition games are thankfully over.

The NFL season starts Thursday.

And though the opening Thursday game is just a tease for Sunday of Week 1, that first game seems like blessed relief after months of anticipation. Make no mistake — preparing for the regular season, at least from the fantasy side, is fun. But with just a few days left, I’m ready for that first game.

So bring on 2009, a season that will feature Brett Favre, Michael Vick and Matthew Stafford. A season in which the Steelers will try to repeat, the Cardinals will try to prove 2008 wasn’t a fluke, and the Patriots will try to return to the playoffs. A season in which Jay Cutler is in Chicago, Terrell Owens is in Buffalo, Tony Gonzalez is in Atlanta and Donte Stallworth is nowhere near an NFL stadium. A season in which Brandon Marshall might sulk, Brian Westbrook might not stay healthy and Tom Brady might return to MVP form. A season that might see the Steelers, Patriots, Chargers, Eagles, Bears or Giants win the Super Bowl.

In other words, a season to be enjoyed, just like every other year. Bring it on.