The NFC North, known for its black-and-blue, lunch-pail style of football, is gearing up for a pivotal 2025 season. In the latest episode of Who Will Be King on the Fans First Sports Network, hosts Pay from Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, Foster from Bleachers to Speakers, and Dave from Vikings 1st & SKOL dissect the division’s prospects. The discussion centers on Jaire Alexander’s surprising release from the Green Bay Packers, the challenging 2025 schedule against the AFC North and NFC East, and minicamp updates for the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Minnesota Vikings. With bold predictions and fiery debates, the hosts explore whether the NFC North can repeat as the NFL’s top division.

“In the land where the gridiron reigns, where the frost bites the fields and the planes, three warriors met with their banter and might on Who Will Be King,” Dave opens poetically, setting the stage for a clash of NFC North titans.

Jaire Alexander’s Exit: A Division-Shaking Move

The biggest bombshell from the episode is the Green Bay Packers’ decision to cut cornerback Jaire Alexander, previously considered one of the division’s elite players. Released on June 9, 2025, to save $17 million in cap space, Alexander’s departure raises questions about the Packers’ secondary and his next destination.

Pay reflects on the magnitude of the move: “We all came to an agreement that Jaire Alexander was one of the best players in the division and the best player on their team. Fast forward 12 months, they cut their best player. You lose your quote-unquote best player, your team is gonna be worse off.”

The hosts debate whether their teams should pursue Alexander, now a free agent at 28. Dave, representing the Vikings, acknowledges the appeal of a “revenge angle” but is wary of Alexander’s injury history and locker room fit. “He seems like Marcus Davenport, the cornerback version—he’s always hurt,” Dave says, citing Alexander’s limited snaps and a suspension for mishandling a coin toss procedure. He suggests a one-year, prove-it deal under $10 million but leans against signing him: “If I had my druthers, I’d rather wait till Miami drops Jalen Ramsey.”

Foster, speaking for the Lions, also passes, citing fiscal responsibility and existing depth. “You can never have enough guys, but long-term, it would be fiscally irresponsible,” he says, pointing to emerging talents like Terrion Arnold and Ennis Rakestraw. Pay, for the Bears, dismisses the idea outright, citing a cultural mismatch: “Packers coming to Chicago ain’t a good look. No more Packers are allowed in Chicago.”

The consensus? Alexander’s talent is undeniable, but his baggage— injuries, attitude, and off-field issues—makes him a risky bet for NFC North rivals.

The 2025 Schedule: A Gauntlet Awaits

The NFC North’s 2025 schedule pits the division against the AFC North (Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers) and NFC East (Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders). Unlike last year’s softer matchups against the AFC South and NFC West, this slate features elite quarterbacks (Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow), top running backs (Saquon Barkley, Derrick Henry), and defensive stars (Myles Garrett, Micah Parsons).

Foster sums up the challenge: “The AFC North had worn the crown for the best division for a while. You’ve got the Ravens, one of the best quarterbacks in the league, two of the top 10 defensive players. The Bengals, arguably the best wide receiver and quarterback. It’s gonna be tough.”

The hosts predict their teams’ records against these eight opponents:

• Vikings (Dave): 6-2, sweeping the AFC North and losing only to the Eagles. “We’re sweeping the North. J.J. McCarthy’s gonna be better than people think,” Dave boasts.
• Lions (Foster): 6-2, with losses to the Ravens and Eagles. “We struggle mightily with running quarterbacks,” Foster admits, but he’s confident in wins over the Browns, Cowboys, and Giants.
• Bears (Pay): 5-3, splitting the AFC North and losing to the Eagles, Ravens, and Bengals. “We’re not losing to the Giants, Cowboys, or Commanders,” Pay asserts, circling a post-bye win over Washington.

Dave highlights the Vikings’ scheduling advantage: “We play our toughest teams—Baltimore, Washington, and the Eagles—at US Bank Stadium.” Foster laments the Lions’ road-heavy slate: “We got Baltimore, Washington, and the Eagles all on the road. Oof.”

The NFC East draws mixed reactions. Foster sees the Eagles and Commanders as threats but dismisses the Cowboys’ hype: “Dak is still Dak, and Ezekiel Elliott is cosplaying as a real running back.” Dave agrees, predicting a Cowboys collapse: “They’re gonna look great in September and then look like trash come December.”

Team Updates: Minicamp Buzz and Rising Stars

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams Shines, Burden’s Absence Looms

The Bears are generating excitement under new head coach Ben Johnson, whose meticulous approach has the team on track. Pay reports a strong minicamp turnout, with no notable absences, and praise for quarterback Caleb Williams. “He’s been terrific,” Pay says, noting Johnson’s push for Williams to bring “off-script magic” to structured plays.

However, rookie wide receiver Luther Burden’s absence due to a leg injury frustrates Johnson. “He’s not happy about it,” Pay says. “For a first-year player, this is gonna set you back.” First-round pick Colston Loveland, a tight end, is turning heads, while third-round tackle Ozzy Trapilo challenges for a starting spot. Defensive tackle Gervon Dexter is also a name to watch, fitting perfectly in Dennis Allen’s scheme. “I’m circling his name for a guy I want involved in a lot of plays,” Pay says.

Detroit Lions: Defense Leads, Offense Adjusts

The Lions, with $40 million in cap space, are managing the loss of center Frank Ragnow to retirement. Foster notes the defense is ahead of the offense at minicamp, crediting continuity with 10 returning starters. “The defense should be pretty comfortable with each other,” he says.

Tight end Sam LaPorta is poised for a rebound after an injury-plagued 2024, with Foster projecting 85 targets. “He had 86 his rookie year, so the touchdowns matter most,” Foster says. Wide receiver Jameson Williams and rookie Dominic Lovett are also generating buzz. Coach Dan Campbell embraces the tough schedule: “He described it as perfect and going to line up exactly the way he wants it to,” Foster reports.

Minnesota Vikings: McCarthy and Turner Ignite Hopes

The Vikings are riding a wave of optimism, with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy “winging it” and drawing rave reviews. “He’s gonna make the whole division embarrassed,” Dave claims. Edge rusher Dallas Turner, now bulked up, is a standout, taking on a versatile role in Brian Flores’ “wave attack” defense. “He’s gonna have 400 to 600 snaps and could get double-digit sacks,” Dave predicts.

The return of left tackle Christian Darrisaw from a 2024 ACL tear is a major boost. “He was doing team drills with a huge brace on. It was a delight to see,” Dave says. The Vikings’ depth across the defensive line and linebacker corps positions them for a physical season.

Can the NFC North Stay on Top?

Last year, the NFC North was hailed as football’s best division, but the 2025 schedule presents a sterner test. Pay acknowledges the weaker 2024 opponents: “The AFC South and NFC West, the majority of those eight teams were cheeks.” The AFC North’s physicality mirrors the NFC North’s, promising bruising battles. “It’s a lunch-pail division, get your hands dirty, get bloody,” Dave says.

The hosts’ bold predictions—Vikings sweeping the AFC North, Lions and Bears holding their own—reflect confidence in their teams’ growth. Yet, the absence of Green Bay’s perspective, coupled with Alexander’s release, leaves questions about the Packers’ trajectory. The Bears’ reliance on a rookie quarterback, the Lions’ offensive adjustments, and the Vikings’ unproven depth add layers of intrigue.

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The Frost Holds the Tale

As the 2025 season looms 89 days away, the NFC North stands at a crossroads. Will the Bears’ new regime deliver? Can the Lions capitalize on their cap space? Will the Vikings’ young stars shine? And how will the Packers fare without Alexander? The clash against the AFC North and NFC East will test the division’s mettle, with each game a step toward crowning the king.

“Who Will Be King? The frost holds the tale, the clash of the bold, where the brave shall prevail,” Dave declares, encapsulating the stakes.

The NFC North’s quest to remain the NFL’s best division is a saga of grit, talent, and ambition. As Pay, Foster, and Dave remind us, the battles begin soon, and the gridiron will reveal the victor.

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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.