Jaire Alexander joins Ravens, sparking NFC North debates on “Who Will Be King.” Pay, Foster, and Dave dive into Alexander’s move, Green Bay’s leadership woes, and bold predictions for the Bears, Vikings, and Lions in this Fans First Sports Network podcast. From playoff hopes to coaching changes, the NFC North is heating up. Will the Bears snag a wild card? Can the Lions repeat their 15-win glory? As training camp looms, the NFC North’s fiercest voices clash over who will claim the division’s crown in 2025.

Jaire Alexander’s Baltimore Bombshell

The NFC North was rocked by news of Jaire Alexander’s departure from the Green Bay Packers, a move that sent ripples through the division. The former two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, drafted in 2018, signed a $4 million deal with the Baltimore Ravens, reuniting with his college teammate, Lamar Jackson. With $2 million in incentives, the contract is a bargain for a player of Alexander’s caliber, though his injury history and leadership concerns raised eyebrows.

Pay, from the Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans podcast, didn’t mince words about the Ravens’ coup. “The rich get richer,” he declared. “Jaire Alexander, when he’s right, he’s extremely good—a top-five player in the NFC North.” Yet, he acknowledged the risks: “His health is a major concern, and there are whispers about his locker room leadership.”

Dave, representing Vikings 1st & SKOL, was relieved Alexander didn’t land with a divisional rival. “I was just happy he didn’t end up in the North,” he said, chuckling about Alexander’s tendency to “skip out” on games against Vikings’ star Justin Jefferson. “He doesn’t like being embarrassed by Justin, which happens when he plays Minnesota.”

Foster, from Bleachers to Speakers, saw the move as a potential game-changer for Baltimore. “The Ravens were missing that corner opposite Marlon Humphrey,” he noted. “With guys like Kyle Hamilton and Nate Wiggins, adding Alexander could push them over the top in the AFC.”

The trio agreed the NFC North dodged a bullet. Last week, they’d unanimously rejected the idea of their teams signing Alexander due to his cost, injuries, and off-field issues, including a suspension for mishandling a coin toss. For Green Bay, cutting Alexander saved nearly $20 million in cap space, but Pay argued it wasn’t the “addition by subtraction” the Packers might claim. “You’re not better without him,” he insisted, pointing to Green Bay’s now-vulnerable cornerback room.

Green Bay’s Leadership Under Fire

The conversation shifted to Green Bay, where head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst face mounting pressure. Ed Policy, the new president of football operations, declined to extend their contracts, despite having two years left. His noncommittal response—“not at this time”—sparked speculation about their future.

Pay dissected Policy’s hesitation. “When front office personnel give a non-answer, it’s because they don’t want to give the media a distraction—or they haven’t decided,” he explained. “With a new boss, it’s not outside the norm to want guys who align with his vision.”

Dave saw an opportunity for chaos. “I want all our three teams to expedite a regime change in Green Bay,” he said with a grin, suggesting a concerted effort by the Bears, Vikings, and Lions to expose the Packers’ weaknesses.

Foster pinned the uncertainty on quarterback Jordan Love’s performance. “Maybe the professional quarterback isn’t performing up to standards after spending all that money,” he mused. Pay added a historical twist: “Aaron Rodgers was 27 when he won a Super Bowl. So was Brett Favre. Guess how old Jordan Love turns this year? 27. That streak is over.”

Green Bay’s recent record—third in 2024, second in 2023, third in 2022, and first in 2021 and 2020—shows a team struggling to advance past the divisional round. Fans are growing restless, and Dave noted LaFleur’s struggles against certain defenses. “When he faces a team like the Rams or gets behind, he gets frustrated and makes mistakes,” he said. With an over/under of 9.5 wins, the consensus was grim: nine wins won’t cut it in the competitive NFC North.

Bears’ Playoff Push with Ben Johnson

In Chicago, optimism is sky-high with new head coach Ben Johnson, formerly the Lions’ offensive coordinator. The Bears, pegged at 8.5 wins by oddsmakers, are banking on Johnson’s play-calling prowess to elevate rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a retooled offensive line.

Pay was bullish on the Bears’ prospects. “I’m predicting they make the playoffs—stamp it,” he declared. “All signs point to the Bears going over 8.5 and securing a playoff berth for the first time since 2019.” He highlighted the addition of All-Pro Joe Thuney, Pro Bowler Drew Dalman, and former Pro Bowler Jonah Jackson to the offensive line, addressing last season’s turmoil. “These guys bring their lunch pail, hard hat, and boots,” he said, praising their work ethic.

However, Dave pressed Pay on Johnson’s ability to handle the non-football demands of head coaching. “It’s the extra BS—approving clips for the Bears Entertainment Network, dealing with NFL offices,” he said. Pay acknowledged the challenge but remained confident. “Heavy is the head that wears the crown,” he quipped. “Johnson’s got to maximize the hours of the day, and with Dennis Allen running the defense, he can focus on the offense.”

The Bears’ deep wide receiver room—D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and newcomers Colston Loveland and Luther Burden—gives Williams ample weapons. Pay criticized last year’s offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, for underutilizing them. “Weeks on end, Kmet or [Keenan] Allen weren’t involved,” he said. “With Johnson, I’m confident that won’t happen.”

Vikings’ Bold Vision with J.J. McCarthy

The Minnesota Vikings, also at 8.5 wins, are riding a wave of confidence with first-year starter J.J. McCarthy at quarterback. Dave dismissed the oddsmakers’ skepticism. “Vegas has us at 8.5 because nobody knows McCarthy nationally,” he said. “I’ve seen him practice. We blow by it this season.”

The Vikings bolstered their offensive and interior lines, and with Kevin O’Connell and Brian Flores calling plays, Dave predicted a top-five offense and defense. “We’ll win the division, get into the playoffs, and win a playoff game,” he asserted. He cited a quirky stat: every time the Vikings beat the Ravens, they reach the NFC Championship; a loss leads to a coaching change. “With O’Connell as Coach of the Year [last season], we’re winning,” he said.

Pay questioned whether McCarthy is an upgrade over Sam Darnold, to which Dave replied, “Yes, he will be.” The Vikings’ depth, with no competitions for starting spots, adds stability. However, the battle for the third cornerback spot—between Jeff Okudah, Mekhi Blackmon, or a potential addition like Jalen Ramsey—remains a wildcard.

Lions’ Quest to Stay Elite

The Detroit Lions, coming off a 15-win season, face a tougher road with a 10-win over/under. Foster was adamant they’d exceed it. “You might as well smash over 10 wins,” he said. “I like 12 wins—a legitimate mark.” Despite a brutal schedule against the AFC North and a stronger NFC North, the Lions’ core—Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, Brian Branch, and Kirby Joseph—is peaking.

The biggest concern is replacing coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn. New offensive coordinator John Morton and defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, both familiar with Dan Campbell’s system, face a steep challenge. Pay cited historical precedent: teams like the 2004 Patriots and 2013 Bengals struggled after losing both coordinators. “Why will Morton and Sheppard be different?” he asked.

Foster admitted uncertainty. “I don’t have an answer,” he said. “We’ll have to see.” He noted the Lions started slow last year due to starters sitting out preseason, hoping for more reps this time. “The window is open for a Super Bowl run,” he said. “We gotta get it going early.”

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NFC North’s Battle Lines Drawn

As training camp nears, the NFC North is poised for a dogfight. The Ravens’ acquisition of Jaire Alexander strengthens their defense, posing a threat to all four NFC North teams. Green Bay’s leadership turmoil could derail their season, while the Bears and Vikings eye playoff berths with new talent and coaching. The Lions, despite coaching changes, remain a powerhouse.

Pay summed up the division’s intensity: “Let the battles begin.” With bold predictions—Bears in the playoffs, Vikings winning the division, and Lions targeting 12 wins—the NFC North is set for a thrilling 2025 season. Fans can catch more insights on Frustrated Chicago Sports Fans, Vikings 1st & SKOL, and Bleachers to Speakers across YouTube and podcast platforms.

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:

Who do you think will claim the NFC North crown in 2025: the playoff-hungry Bears, the surging Vikings, the powerhouse Lions, or a rebounding Packers squad? Share your bold predictions!