The NFC North is set to ignite in 2025, with a schedule packed with division rivalries, holiday showdowns, and international adventures. In the latest episode of Who Will Be King on the Fans First Sports Network, hosts Pay from Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, June and Foster from Bleachers to Speakers, and Dave from Vikings 1st & SKOL dissect the leaked 2025 NFL schedule, focusing on the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers. From the opening week’s primetime clashes to the season’s dramatic finale, this episode delivers passionate analysis, bold predictions, and fiery debates. Will the Lions roar, the Vikings conquer, or the Bears surprise? Dive into the story of the NFC North’s 2025 journey and find out why this season could crown a new king.

Week 1: Rivalries Ignite the Season

The 2025 NFC North schedule wastes no time, thrusting all four teams into divisional matchups in Week 1. This bold scheduling choice sets a high-stakes tone, with each game carrying implications for the division race.

• Packers vs. Lions (September 7, 2025, 3:25 PM CT): The Green Bay Packers host the Detroit Lions at Lambeau Field, a game confirmed by an X post from @Schultz_Report. June, a Lions fan, expressed confidence, stating, “Starting at Green Bay is tough, but we’re ready to make a statement. This is a new era for the Lions.” Foster echoed this optimism, noting the Lions’ need to “protect the fort” early.
• Vikings at Bears (September 8, 2025, 7:15 PM CT): The Minnesota Vikings face the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, a primetime clash at Soldier Field. Dave, representing the Vikings, called it “a perfect way to kick off the season,” while Pay, the Bears’ advocate, boldly predicted, “We’re showing the Vikings who’s boss in Week 1. Bears are must-see TV.”

These opening games highlight the NFC North’s competitive spirit, with each team aiming to establish dominance from the outset.

Holiday Showdowns: Tradition and Spotlight

Holiday games are a hallmark of the NFL, and the NFC North’s 2025 schedule delivers several high-profile matchups that capture national attention.

Thanksgiving: Lions vs. Packers

On Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2025, the Detroit Lions host the Green Bay Packers at 12:00 PM CT, continuing a long-standing tradition. June was particularly enthusiastic, declaring, “Thanksgiving is our stage. We’re carving up the Packers like a turkey this year.” Foster added, “We’ve had tough losses on Thanksgiving before, but this team is different. We’re ready to win.” This game, confirmed by FOX Sports, is a pivotal moment for the Lions to assert their divisional ambitions.

Black Friday: Bears at Eagles
The Chicago Bears travel to Philadelphia to face the Eagles on Black Friday, November 28, 2025, at 2:00 PM CT, as announced by NFL.com. Pay viewed this as a chance for redemption, stating, “We’re going to Philly to get revenge. The Eagles won’t know what hit them.” This game, while not a divisional matchup, impacts the Bears’ focus as they navigate a tough schedule.

Christmas: Lions at Vikings
The Minnesota Vikings host the Detroit Lions on Christmas Day, December 25, 2025, at 12:00 PM or 3:30 PM CT, streamed on Netflix, per Sports Illustrated. Dave called it “a great Christmas present,” adding, “We’re aiming to hand the Lions an L and keep our playoff hopes alive.” June countered, “For Christmas, the Lions are handing out losses. We’re taking this one.” This late-season clash could be a turning point for both teams’ playoff aspirations.

Vikings’ Global Quest: International Challenges

The Minnesota Vikings are the only NFC North team playing international games in 2025, facing unique challenges with back-to-back contests in Europe.

• Week 4: Vikings vs. Steelers in Dublin (September 28, 2025, 8:30 AM CT): The Vikings take on the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, a game with historical significance. Dave noted, “The Vikings founded in Dublin, so this is a homecoming. Our European fans will be out in force.” This matchup, confirmed by Sporting News, tests the Vikings’ early-season resilience.
• Week 5: Vikings vs. Browns in London (October 5, 2025, 8:30 AM CT): Following Dublin, the Vikings face the Cleveland Browns at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Dave acknowledged the logistical hurdles, saying, “Two international games in a row is tough, but we’re ready to represent.” He humorously added, “If it’s brown, flush it down,” referring to the Browns. The potential bye afterward could provide a strategic advantage.

These international games, while challenging, offer the Vikings a chance to build momentum and showcase their global fanbase.

Host Predictions: Who Will Be King?

The hosts brought their A-game, offering bold predictions and passionate defenses of their teams.

• Dave (Vikings): “We’re looking at 10 to 12 wins. JJ McCarthy is our future, and Kay Adams predicted us for the Super Bowl. Why not us?” Dave’s optimism reflects the Vikings’ potential, bolstered by a favorable schedule despite international travel.
• June (Lions): “We’re not just aiming for the playoffs; we’re aiming to win the division. Thanksgiving against the Packers is our moment to shine.” June’s confidence underscores the Lions’ transformation into a contender.
• Foster (Lions): “Our schedule is the toughest, but we can win the games we’re supposed to. The Bears, Browns, Giants—those are must-wins.” Foster’s pragmatic approach balances optimism with realism.
• Pay (Bears): “The Bears are going 16-1. Our schedule is rated R—for revenue, revenge, ravishing, and repent. We’re must-see TV every week.” Pay’s bold prediction, tempered by past disappointments, captures his unwavering faith.

The absence of a Packers representative was a running joke, with Dave quipping, “We need someone to defend Green Bay, but they’re probably too busy celebrating their past.”

Schedule Toughness: A Division Under Pressure

The NFC North is considered one of the NFL’s toughest divisions, with ESPN and NFL Network models ranking it highly for schedule difficulty. The Lions face the hardest slate, ranked No. 1, with road games against Baltimore, Kansas City, and Philadelphia. The Vikings contend with international travel, while the Bears and Packers face balanced but challenging schedules.

Pay embraced the Bears’ seven primetime or national broadcasts, saying, “We’re the main event. The NFL knows the Bears draw eyes.” Foster acknowledged the Lions’ challenge, noting, “We can’t bank on 15-2 every year, but we’re built to compete.” Dave saw the Vikings’ schedule as an opportunity, stating, “Tough games make us stronger. We’re ready for the grind.”

Late-Season Stakes: Playoff Deciders

The schedule’s late-season matchups could determine the division champion and playoff berths.

• Week 16: Packers at Bears (December 20, 2025, TBD): A Saturday doubleheader, confirmed by FOX Sports, pits the Packers against the Bears in a classic rivalry game. Pay predicted a Bears win, while Dave noted its playoff implications.
• Week 18: Lions at Bears and Packers at Vikings: These final games, with dates TBD, could decide the division title. An X post from @670TheScore confirmed the Lions-Bears matchup, while Dave highlighted the Vikings-Packers clash as “a chance to end the season strong.”

These games underscore the NFC North’s competitive nature, with every point crucial in the playoff race.

Listen:

Watch:

Banter and Humor: The Heart of the Show

The episode’s lively banter and humor made it a fan favorite. Pay’s “rated R” schedule breakdown drew laughs, while Dave’s “flush it down” quip about the Browns added levity. June’s Thanksgiving turkey metaphor and Foster’s pragmatic optimism rounded out the dynamic, creating a podcast that’s as entertaining as it is informative.

Conclusion: The NFC North’s Epic 2025 Journey

The 2025 NFC North season promises to be a rollercoaster, with division matchups, holiday games, and international contests shaping the race for the crown. Who Will Be King captures this excitement, offering fans a front-row seat to the debates and predictions that define the division’s spirit. Whether you’re cheering for the Bears, Lions, Vikings, or Packers, this episode is a must-listen. Stream it now on the Fans First Sports Network and join the conversation—who will be king in 2025?

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.