Sixty-eight days until the Chicago Bears kick off their 2025 season, and the NFC North is buzzing with anticipation. Who Will Be King, a Fans First Sports Network podcast, brings together Pay from Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, Dave from Vikings 1st & SKOL, and Foster from Bleachers to Speakers for a no-holds-barred NFC North roundup. Recorded on July 2, 2025, this episode crackles with energy, blending humor, stats, and bold takes on the division’s biggest storylines. Whether you’re a Bears, Lions, Vikings, or Packers fan, the hosts’ witty banter and deep football knowledge make this a must-listen. From fireworks complaints to fantasy football debates, they set the stage for a season-defining discussion. Why tune in? Because these voices capture the pulse of the NFC North, delivering insights that spark excitement for the battles ahead.

Unpacking the NFC North’s 2025 Battle Plan

Fireworks and Football Fever

The episode opens with a quintessentially American vibe—Pay grumbling about neighbors’ fireworks as the Fourth of July looms. “It’s six degrees outside boiling, and I got one question for you guys. Your neighbor started shooting fireworks yet?” he asks, setting a lighthearted tone. Dave chimes in, noting weeks of pyrotechnic chaos in Minnesota, while Foster recalls Michigan’s once-illegal fireworks trade. The trio’s chemistry shines as they pivot from holiday gripes to the real fireworks: the NFC North’s 2025 season, just 68 days away for Bears fans and 67 for Lions and Packers faithful.

Pay, the Bears-centric host, wastes no time diving into the division’s lingering questions. “Let’s call it the last remaining question for every NFC team as we hit summer,” he says, framing the discussion around critical uncertainties for the Packers, Lions, Vikings, and Bears.

Packers’ Pass Rush Puzzle

First up, the Green Bay Packers and their 2023 first-round pick, Lucas Van Ness. Pay questions whether the edge rusher will ever justify his draft status, noting the Packers’ “pretty mid” pass rush last season—45 sacks (10th in the NFL), 55 quarterback hits (12th), and 43 knockdowns (18th). “They didn’t improve their pass rush situation this offseason,” Pay observes, skepticism dripping. Foster, ever the Lions loyalist, dismisses Lukas Van Ness, claiming he’ll never outshine Detroit’s Jack Campbell. Pay sets an over-under of 11 sacks for Van Ness’s third year, expecting a breakout. “If I drafted you first round, this is your third year, I’m expecting you to turn that corner,” he insists. The consensus? Under 11, with Dave and Foster doubting Green Bay’s defensive upside.

“If I drafted you first round, this is your third year, I’m expecting you to turn that corner and put quarterbacks into the dirt.” — Pay on Lucas Van Ness’s expectations.

Lions’ Offensive Line in Transition

The Detroit Lions face their own question: Can their vaunted offensive line avoid regression in 2025? With center Frank Ragnow retiring at 29 and aging tackles Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, Foster admits the concern is “definitely fair” but remains optimistic. “They have two very anchors on both sides of the tackle position that can certainly help mentor,” he says, pointing to young replacements like Tristan Wirfs and Miles Frazier, alongside guard Mahogany. Dave emphasizes the chemistry challenge, a universal issue for restructured lines. “It’s gonna take a while to build chemistry when you rearrange the offensive line,” he warns, a sentiment Pay echoes for the Bears’ own veteran-heavy front.

This segues into a fantasy football tangent, with Pay questioning whether the Lions’ running backs—split between high-floor options like David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs—should be faded in drafts. Foster, fresh off a fantasy championship, defends their value, noting their pass-catching prowess. Dave, a fantasy veteran, agrees: “Detroit backs are a solid choice for any fantasy league.”

“They catch outta the backfield, so it definitely opens up more opportunities for you to clock some extra yards.” — Foster on the Lions’ running backs.

Vikings’ Young QB Gamble

The Minnesota Vikings’ spotlight falls on their first-year starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the biggest unknown in their playoff aspirations. Dave, a passionate Vikings advocate, is bullish. “If he plays adequate football, we’ve got a really, really good football team that should make the playoffs,” he declares. He praises McCarthy’s arm talent and fit in Kevin O’Connell’s pass-heavy scheme, which demands precision over the middle—unlike Sam Darnold’s deep-ball reliance last year. “The dude can hum a football, can throw deep. He’s great over the middle in that intermediate range,” Dave adds.

However, national skepticism tempers expectations. “The rest of the nation doesn’t think so. They’re seeing somebody that’s unknown,” Dave acknowledges. Pay notes O’Connell’s track record—three 4,000-yard passing seasons with different quarterbacks—yet questions linger about the coach’s job security in Seattle on seeing if Sam Darnold’s 4000+ yard season was due to Sam himself or KOC’s coaching. For fantasy, Dave sees McCarthy as a “good backup” but not a top-tier QB, given the Vikings’ 60% pass tendency and improved offensive line.

“If he plays adequate football, we’ve got a really, really good football team that should make the playoffs.” — Dave on J.J. McCarthy’s potential.

Bears’ Left Tackle Battle

For the Chicago Bears, the burning question is: Who will start at left tackle? Pay outlines a three-way competition among incumbent Braxton Jones, veteran Kiran Amegadjie, and rookie Ozzy Trapilo. Jones, sidelined by injury last season, faces pressure after a rough outing against the Vikings, where he “gave up 75 sacks, I believe, in that one game,” Pay quips. Dave agrees the job isn’t guaranteed: “There’s no motivation for a coach to put back, ‘Well, you were the starter.’ The coaches wanna win.” Pay hopes for a “healthy and spirited competition” to protect the Bears’ franchise quarterback, emphasizing, “You gotta fight for your job, man.”

“You gotta fight for your job, man. Hopefully we can have a very healthy and spirited competition and may the best man win.” — Pay on the Bears’ left tackle race.

Defensive Rankings Stir Debate

The episode’s second half dives into Bleacher Report’s top-five defensive rankings, sparking heated debate. The Baltimore Ravens at No. 5 draw Pay’s ire. “There’s no way you can make an argument to me that they’re not the number one squad,” he argues, citing stars like Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith, and newcomer Jaire Alexander. Dave counters with stats: 54 sacks, ninth in scoring defense, and an 80.1-yard rushing average allowed. Houston Texans at No. 4 baffles both, with Dave dismissing their AFC South “cupcake tour” and 49% pass rush win rate as inflated by Danielle Hunter’s presence.

Buffalo Bills at No. 3 surprise Pay, who expected regression, but Dave credits Joey Bosa’s addition and a defense-heavy draft. The Philadelphia Eagles at No. 2 earn unanimous praise for their Super Bowl pedigree, despite losing Javon Hargrave. “They were rotating guys in. They just beat up on Pat Mahomes,” Pay marvels. Denver Broncos at No. 1, however, spark skepticism. Dave acknowledges their talent—Patrick Surtain II, Dre Greenlaw, Zach Allen—but questions their top billing over Baltimore. Pay’s metric? “The amount of times the opponent has to go change their pants because they shit themselves.”

“The amount of times the opponent has to go change their pants because they shit themselves. That’s the stat I wanna see.” — Pay on defensive dominance.

NFC North’s Defensive Outlook

The hosts pivot to the NFC North’s defenses, predicting a strong showing. Detroit Lions rank fifth to sixth, bolstered by Aiden Hutchinson but hampered by coaching turnover and Marcus Davenport’s injury history. Minnesota Vikings, under Brian Flores, range from third to seventh, with Dave confident in their pass rush and young corners, though Harrison Smith’s age looms. The Bears, at 16th to 20th, frustrate Pay, who blames last year’s run defense woes—20- to 25-yard chunk plays every game. Yet, he trusts new defensive coordinator Eric Washington to spark a turnaround. Green Bay lags, a “power bottom” per Pay’s jab, with a porous secondary fans hope stays weak.

“I expect Bears, Vikings, Lions to be top eight, and rounding up the 10, it’d be the Packers, because they’re the bottom.” — Pay on NFC North defenses.

Free Agent Fits for the Division

As the episode winds down, Pay and Dave explore remaining free agents who could boost NFC North rosters. Keenan Allen, 33, emerges as a potential Packers wide receiver, though injuries concern Dave. Za’Darius Smith could mentor the Bear’s edge rushers, while Asante Samuel Jr., only 26, puzzles the hosts with his unemployment, possibly due to a lingering shoulder injury. “This is the guy that I’m still shocked that he doesn’t have a team,” Pay says. Matthew Judon and Brandon Scherff also get mentions, with Pay prioritizing offensive line depth for Chicago: “You can never have enough versatility, never have enough depth.”

“This is the guy that I’m still shocked that he doesn’t have a team.” — Pay on Asante Samuel Jr.’s availability.

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Crowning the NFC North’s King

Who Will Be King delivers on its promise, hooking listeners with a vibrant NFC North preview that balances humor, stats, and passion. The episode resolves its hook by painting a vivid picture of the division’s 2025 landscape: Green Bay’s pass rush hinges on Van Ness’s growth, Detroit’s offensive line faces chemistry tests, Minnesota bets big on McCarthy’s arm, and Chicago’s left tackle battle will shape their season. Defensive rankings and free agent debates underscore the NFC North’s parity, with Bears, Lions, and Vikings poised for top-10 defenses, while the Packers trail. Pay’s irreverent style, Dave’s measured optimism, and Foster’s Lions pride make this a compelling listen, leaving fans eager for training camp. As Pay signs off, “Bear down,” the question lingers: Who will wear the North’s crown? Tune in next week to Who Will Be King on Fans First Sports Network to find out.

FAN WITH US!!!

Follow us on Twitter ✖️ for more updates… Pay @TheRealPayday, host of the Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, June @asgjune & M Foster @Mbrfosterchild, hosts of the Bleachers To Speakers [Lions] podcast, and Dave Stefano @Luft_Krigare, from @Vikings1stSKOL. This has been a joint podcast production partnered with Fans First Sports Network @FansFirstSN and Fans First Sports Network’s NFL feed @FFSN_NFL.
Question

Which NFC North team do you think has the best shot at a top-five defense in 2025, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments below!