The NFC North is a battleground where gridiron warriors clash, and the 2025 NFL season is already simmering with anticipation. In the latest episode of Who Will Be King, a Fans First Sports Network production, hosts Pay from Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, Foster from Bleachers to Speakers, and Dave from Vikings 1st & SKOL unpack the latest from Organized Team Activities (OTAs), contract negotiations, and ESPN’s power rankings. From Chicago’s new hope in Caleb Williams to Detroit’s contract drama with Alex Anzalone and Minnesota’s buzz around J.J. McCarthy, the North is alive with stories of grit, ambition, and uncertainty. Here’s your deep dive into the episode’s key moments.

Chicago Bears: Caleb Williams Takes Center Stage
In Chicago, the winds of change blow through Soldier Field as the Bears pin their hopes on rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The No. 1 overall pick is navigating his first OTAs, and while his press conference drew attention for its diplomatic flair, it also sparked debate.

“Caleb Williams gave a presser to the local media’s Media Day for the Bears OTAs, and he absolutely tap-danced,” said Dave, referencing Williams’ comments about his pre-draft visits. Williams addressed rumors about his reluctance to join Chicago, where quarterbacks have historically struggled, saying he wants to “change Chicago’s history” and be the Bears’ first truly successful QB.

Pay, however, noted the context behind the rumors. “A lot of what was quoted in that book came from Carl, not Caleb,” he clarified, referring to Williams’ father. “He addressed it and put it to bed, which is what matters.” Pay praised Bears head coach Ben Johnson for tackling the issue head-on, a departure from past regimes that might have swept it under the rug.

The Bears’ OTAs saw strong veteran turnout, with Montez Sweat and Jaylon Johnson setting the tone. However, injuries are a concern. “T.J. Edwards, Kyle Gordon, and rookie Luther are nursing soft tissue injuries,” Pay reported, though he emphasized their presence for treatment. Gordon, recently signed to a lucrative extension, is now the NFL’s highest-paid nickel corner, a point of pride for Bears fans.

Minnesota Vikings: J.J. McCarthy and a United Front
Across the border in Minnesota, the Vikings are basking in perfect OTA attendance and the promise of rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. “We have a hundred percent participation,” Dave proudly declared, highlighting the team’s unity. Even injured players like Christian Darrisaw and new right guard Wilf Freeze were present, rehabbing on the sidelines.

The return of star wide receiver Justin Jefferson, absent from OTAs the past two years, was a major storyline. “It’s the first time we’ve seen Justin Jefferson at these OTAs in three years,” Dave said. “He felt the importance of being there, of being a leader, and getting those reps with J.J. McCarthy.” Highlight reels of McCarthy throwing to Jefferson and tight end T.J. Hockenson have Vikings fans buzzing.

McCarthy’s presser showcased his enthusiasm, particularly about facing defensive coordinator Brian Flores’ aggressive schemes. “On the first play from scrimmage, Flores sent a corner blitz at him,” Dave recounted. “McCarthy said, ‘I just love our defense. I love going against B-Flow.’” McCarthy also praised veteran safety Harrison Smith for his mind games, noting, “He’ll put his head and eyes one direction, but his body leans the other. You gotta spot those clues.”

Trade rumors swirled around the Vikings, with Jalen Ramsey as a potential target. “We’re one of the primary options to trade for Jalen Ramsey,” Dave said, noting the 31-year-old corner’s seven Pro Bowl nods. With $5 million in cap space and flexibility to restructure contracts, the Vikings are poised to make waves.

Detroit Lions: Anzalone’s Absence and New Faces
In Detroit, the Lions kicked off OTAs with optimism tempered by uncertainty. Star linebacker Alex Anzalone, a team captain and emotional leader, was the notable absentee, awaiting a contract extension after playing on one-year deals. “He’s been the top linebacker the last two years,” Foster said. “He broke his forearm last year, but when he returned for the playoffs, you could see the difference in the defense.”

Anzalone’s cryptic social media posts, including a retweet of Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson’s extension push, suggest he’s pressing for a long-term deal. “He’s made statements out there,” Foster noted. “Everybody’s not gonna be happy when it’s all said and done. Somebody has to be a casualty to the cap space.”

The signing of veteran linebacker Zach Cunningham raised eyebrows, with some speculating he could replace Anzalone. “Some believe the signing of Cunningham is writing on the wall,” Foster said, though he believes Anzalone’s proven superiority. “Anzalone always seemed like an informal leader of the defense,” Foster added, noting his connection with head coach Dan Campbell from their New Orleans days.

On the positive side, defensive end Aidan Hutchinson was cleared for full action, a major boost. “That’s something we’ve been waiting to hear for quite some time,” Foster said. The Lions are also integrating new coordinators, including defensive coordinator Terrell Williams, and evaluating their offensive line, with Christian Mahogany and Graham Glasgow competing for guard spots. The backup quarterback competition, featuring Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen, is another focal point.

Green Bay Packers: Quiet but Overrated?
The Packers were the odd team out in this episode, with limited OTA news. “They’ve started, and their contract news is that they’ve offered Alexander a restructured contract,” Dave said, referring to cornerback Jaire Alexander. Offensive lineman Elgton Jenkins is also holding out for a new deal.

The hosts were skeptical of the Packers’ No. 8 ranking in ESPN’s power rankings. “Can we just cut the crap?” Pay exclaimed. “There is no reason to glaze this football team enough.” He argued that Green Bay’s market size and fanbase don’t justify the hype, and their offseason moves were unremarkable. “They had a nice draft, but everybody had a nice draft,” he said.

Dave echoed the sentiment, questioning quarterback Jordan Love’s consistency. “He’s up and down. He could go .500 easy,” he said. Foster agreed, noting that the Packers’ ranking seemed inflated given their lack of significant additions.

Power Rankings: Lions Roar, Bengals Puzzle
ESPN’s power rankings sparked lively debate, with the Lions at No. 4, the Packers at No. 8, the Vikings at No. 15, and the Bears at No. 16. “I’ll take number four,” Foster said of the Lions, though he was surprised they weren’t penalized for losses to the Bills and Commanders in 2024. “We had a 15-2 record, which is to be rewarded with some respect.”

Pay was content with the Bears’ No. 16 spot, a nine-spot jump from their projected No. 25 ranking at the end of 2024. “If you’re telling me the Bears are top 16 right now, I’m cool with that,” he said. “They had a sparkling offseason.” However, he questioned the Chiefs’ No. 2 ranking, arguing that their reliance on Patrick Mahomes masks roster weaknesses. “Until one of the actual top quarterbacks beats him, they stay at the top, but I don’t believe that team should be anywhere near the top five,” he said.

Dave felt the Vikings were underrated at No. 15, citing their strong offseason and McCarthy’s potential. “We’re better than the Packers now,” he asserted. He also flagged the Bengals’ No. 7 ranking as too high, given their playoff absence in 2024 and ongoing contract disputes with Hendrickson. “They’re putting a lot of respect on their name,” Foster agreed.

Stadium Drama and Broader NFL Context
The episode touched on broader NFL topics, including stadium funding disputes. Dave highlighted the Bengals’ push for upgrades, contrasted with Cleveland’s legal battles over a new stadium. “Cleveland wants to move outside city limits, but the law requires special permission,” Pay explained, referencing the Browns’ controversial move to Baltimore in 1995. The discussion underscored the complex interplay of sports, politics, and community identity.

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Looking Ahead: The North’s Battle for the Crown
As OTAs continue, the NFC North is a cauldron of ambition and uncertainty. The Bears are banking on Williams to rewrite their quarterback narrative, the Vikings are rallying behind McCarthy’s promise, and the Lions are navigating Anzalone’s contract saga while integrating new pieces. The Packers, meanwhile, remain a wildcard, their lofty ranking a point of contention.

“This is a group effort on the Fans First Sports Network,” Dave said, summing up the episode’s collaborative spirit. With training camp six weeks away, the North’s saga is just beginning. Who will be king? Only the gridiron will decide.

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.