The Athletic Football Show: NFC North 2025 Preview

Podcast: The Athletic Football Show: A show about the NFL
Episode: 2025 NFC North Preview
Date: August 26, 2025
Hosts: Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, Dave Helman

Episode Overview

In this annual deep-dive, Robert Mays, Derrik Klassen, and Dave Helman preview the 2025 NFC North, breaking down each team’s offseason moves, biggest questions, areas of excitement, and predictions for success. The episode’s rich blend of Xs and Os, roster analysis, humor, and nostalgia underscores why this is a special edition in The Athletic’s flagship series.

Table of Contents

1. Detroit Lions
   • Offseason Recap
   • Main Excitements
   • Swing Points
   • Potential Red Flags
   • Early-Season Watch List
   • Markers of Success
2. Minnesota Vikings
   • Offseason Recap
   • Main Excitements
   • Swing Points
   • Potential Red Flags
   • Early-Season Watch List
   • Markers of Success
3. Green Bay Packers
   • Offseason Recap
   • Main Excitements
   • Swing Points
   • Potential Red Flags
   • Early-Season Watch List
   • Markers of Success
4. Chicago Bears
   • Offseason Recap
   • Main Excitements
   • Swing Points
   • Potential Red Flags
   • Early-Season Watch List
   • Markers of Success

Detroit Lions

Offseason Recap

Key Losses and Additions:

• Lost OC Ben Johnson (to Bears as HC), DC Aaron Glenn (to Jets as DC)
• Hired John Morton as OC, promoted Kelvin Sheppard to DC
• Extended S Kirby Joseph, signed CB DJ Reed, re-signed LB Derek Barnes
• Drafted DT Tyleik Williams (28th), G Tate Ratledge (2nd), WR Isaac Tesla (3rd) – gave up two 2026 3rd-rounders for Tesla
• Departures: CB Carlton Davis, G Kevin Zeitler, S Ifeatu Melifonwu (FA)

Notable Quote:

“For as much as we get excited about the Lions’ passing game, a lot of it’s driven through what they can do under center by running the ball... if this young interior isn’t what they want it to be, that could be a big issue.” – Derek (11:45)

Main Excitements

• Potential for NFL’s Best Defense
  • Talent up and down the roster: Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, Kirby Joseph, young ascending defenders (Terrion Arnold, Jack Campbell).
  • Secondary is especially deep, bolstered by the DJ Reed signing.
• Roster Depth & High-End Talent
  • The Lions have stars at almost every position and depth behind them.
• Resilience Despite Injuries
  • Even after heavy defensive injuries last year, they remained elite.

Notable Quote:

“On a very simple level, it’s kind of like: good players, go brrr... That’s how I look at this Lions roster.” – Robert (8:00)

Swing Points

1. Offensive Line Changes ([11:42])

   • Several new faces: Ragnow/Zeitler out, Mahogany/Glasgow/Ratledge in.
   • Can they remain elite or will a step down upend their offensive identity?

2. Aidan Hutchinson’s Health & Impact ([17:01])

   • If healthy, he’s a DPOY candidate; absence would reshape the defense’s ceiling.

3. Coaching/Coordinator Transitions

   • New DC and OC both bring scheme tweaks; chemistry and continuity could be swing factors.

Potential Red Flags

• Possible Offensive Regression ([19:53])
  • Offense likely to remain good, but last year’s rare passing efficiency (esp. short throws) hard to repeat.
  • New OC, more “average” interior OL, and loss of Ben Johnson’s play-calling may create a drop-off.
• Front Seven/Edge Depth ([32:00])
  • Interior depth, especially at DT, is a concern after injuries and some key player losses.
• Have They Peaked?
  • Did they maximize their opportunity last season? (20:25)

Notable Quotes:

“It’s keeping me up at night that this team might have already peaked offensively.” – Robert (19:53)

Early-Season Watch List

• OC John Morton’s tweaks: Will the offense look familiar, or shift toward more dropback/West Coast elements? ([24:20])
• DC Kelvin Sheppard’s approach: More disguised and complex looks, possibly less man-coverage-heavy than Aaron Glenn. Ravens 2023 are cited as a cautionary comp. ([29:30])
• Aidan Hutchinson’s health and production ([17:01])
• Front/edge rotation additions before the season starts? (32:00)

Markers of Success

• Stay near the NFL’s elite on both sides.
• Survive coordinator turnover and veteran attrition.
• Win 11–12 games and demonstrate true organizational staying power—“prove you’re attrition-proof.” ([33:24])

Notable Quotes:

“If they win 11 games, make the playoffs, and show us that they’re one of those teams that are around every year, I think that would be success for this team.” – Robert (33:24)

Minnesota Vikings

Offseason Recap

Key Moves:

• Signed G Will Fries (5/$88M), retained CB Byron Murphy, DT Jonathan Allen, DT Javon Hargrave, C Ryan Kelly, RB Aaron Jones, traded for Jordan Mason (RB)
• Extended various key pieces, brought in Carson Wentz to back up J.J. McCarthy
• Drafted G Donovan Jackson (24th), WR Ty Felton (3rd)
• Lost Sam Darnold, Cam Bynum, Garrett Bradbury, traded Harrison Phillips to Jets

Notable Quote:

“[Success is when you] navigate the attrition...Handle losing two coordinators and losing some key veterans and still be a good team.” – Dave (32:36)

Main Excitements

• What Can J.J. McCarthy Do in This Setup?
  • This is the overarching storyline: high-end roster, outstanding coaching infrastructure, but total unknown at QB.
• More Balanced Offense
  • Massive investment in interior OL and RB depth (Jones, Mason) aims to restore run/pass/play-action marriage à la 2017-18 Rams.
  • Potential for a more varied screen game and overall play design.
• Play-Caller & Defensive Continuity
  • O’Connell and Flores remain; creative minds set up for continuation and evolution.

Notable Quotes:

“The rest of this roster, the idea that we didn’t even deign to doubt what the Vikings could do … speaks to the overall quality… and organization heading into the season.” – Robert (41:12)

Swing Points

1. J.J. McCarthy’s Readiness and Ceiling ([40:03–47:00])
   • Huge variance: If he’s even median, they’re a contender. If he’s not, everything else may not matter.
2. Interior OL Overhaul ([51:55])
   • Will Fries, Ryan Kelly (both recent injuries), rookie Donovan Jackson—a lot of change, risk, and investment but little proof of concept.
3. Aging DT Additions ([56:04])
   • Allen & Hargrave (both 30+); if either breaks down/declines, DL investment may have backfired. Hargrave is on his third big contract—a dangerous aging curve.

Potential Red Flags

• QB Uncertainty
  • No NFL tape, limited college volume, and a late knee injury to McCarthy; intense scrutiny to come.
• Thin Secondary
  • After losing Cam Bynum: reliance on reclamation/aging/CB2 types—could get dicey in big games.
• Roster in ‘Win Now’ Mode—Is Window Short?
  • This vintage is built to peak right now; poor QB play would squander an all-in moment.

Notable Quotes:

“This roster is too good not to win like 11 games again.” – Derek (67:47) “Did Brock Purdy break all our brains?” – Dave (69:07)

Early-Season Watch List

• J.J. McCarthy’s poise & output in his first starts ([47:58])
• OL chemistry and injury impact ([53:52])
• What defensive wrinkles does Flores unveil?—possibly more 2-man looks, demands less blitzing due to better DL talent. ([61:54])
• WR group behind Jefferson (Addison suspended 3 games): Is a veteran (Adam Thielen?) coming? ([61:51])

Markers of Success

• “Feel good about your young QB’s trajectory AND make playoffs.” Ideal is 10+ wins.
• Anything less than a strong wild card record is seen as a disappointment, barring serious adversity.
• Success means “they must be ready to win the Super Bowl next year.”
• Strong debate if 8–9 with a promising QB would be acceptable—most argue not.

Notable Quotes:

“Based on how this team is built…the timeline that they are on, they have to be ready to win the Super Bowl next year.” – Robert (70:34)

Green Bay Packers

Offseason Recap

Key Moves:

• Signed G Aaron Banks (4/$77M), CB Nate Hobbs, extended OT Zach Tom (4/$88M)
• Drafted WR Matthew Golden (23rd), T Anthony Belton (2nd), WR Savan Williams (3rd)
• Let go of TJ Slaton, Jaire Alexander, Eric Stokes
• Brought in new DL coach DeMarcus Covington (formerly NE Patriots)

Notable Quote:

“I love what they do offensively and defensively—I find it compelling, I find it interesting…” – Robert (75:28)

Main Excitements

• Coaching Innovation on Offense & Defense
  • Matt LaFleur’s offense, heavy with motion, multiple personnel groupings, and constant self-scouting, is influencing others leaguewide.
  • Jeff Hafley’s defense showed major adaptability last season (cloud, simulated pressures, etc.), which surprised even the staff.
• Offensive Weapon Development
  • Addition of Matthew Golden (rookie WR) and the continued emergence of TE Tucker Kraft as potential game-changers.
• Defensive Scheme/Pass Rush Potential
  • New DL coach Covington may help unlock more from this “sum of the parts” front seven.

Notable Quotes:

“They’re football nerd curiosities; they have a hundred of those guys and no superstars.” – Robert (78:53)

Swing Points

1. Pass Rush Emergence ([79:07])
   • Do Van Ness, Wyatt, Cooper, or others step up alongside (or beyond) Rashan Gary?
   • Can a superstar emerge, or is it more smoke and mirrors?
2. Is Jordan Love the answer? ([84:03])
   • Huge flashes, but consistency, decision-making, and 3rd down performance haven’t matched high-end moments.
   • Was last year’s injury responsible for his uneven play?
3. OL Chemistry & Ceiling
   • Ongoing competition at LT (Jordan Morgan, Braxton Jones) and interior shuffling—will they be “pretty good” or truly elite up front?

Potential Red Flags

• Lack of True Star Power ([91:17])
  • Zero Pro Bowls for any Packers draftee since 2021; are there enough “field-tilting” players to win in January?
• Takeaway Dependence on Defense ([93:18])
  • Xavier McKinney had 8 INTs last year (remarkably rare for a safety). If turnovers dry up, does the defense become average?
• Secondary Ceiling
  • CB room is shallow and unproven, especially post-Jaire Alexander; can the scheme mask it again?

Notable Quotes:

“We’re going to get to the end of this season and still think this team doesn’t have enough star players.” – Robert (91:17)

Early-Season Watch List

• Is Matthew Golden a “dude” or just another rookie? ([96:33])
  • If he hits the ground running, it unlocks a new WR pecking order.
• How the OL shakes out—will young players or recent additions secure starting roles? ([90:30])
• Can the pass rush generate with four or will they have to blitz again?

Markers of Success

• Win the NFC North—no more “for their age” caveats.
• Remove any qualifiers from how we discuss them—must be “the ascending team.”
• For some, anything short of the NFC Championship game would be a disappointment, given the division’s “power vacuum."

Notable Quotes:

“Win the division this year…If I am supposed to buy into the vision...go win the division.” – Dave (100:38) “Be in the NFC Championship game...there is a bit of a power vacuum at the top of the NFC.” – Derek (101:38)

Chicago Bears

Offseason Recap

Key Moves:

• Hired Ben Johnson (HC, from Lions), Dennis Allen (DC), Declan Doyle (OC)
• Signed/Traded for G Joe Thuney, G Jonah Jackson, C Drew Dalman, EDGE Dayo Odeyingbo, DT Grady Jarrett, re-signed key pieces
• Drafted TE Colston Loveland (10th), WR Luther Burden (39th), OT Ozzy Trapilo (56th), DT Shamar Turner (62th)
• Departures: Keenan Allen, Coleman Shelton, Teven Jenkins, Daryl Taylor

Notable Quote:

“There’s a chance this is REALLY awesome to watch.” – Derek (105:03)

Main Excitements

• An Actual NFL Offense Arrives
  • Ben Johnson brings a much-needed sense of design, clarity, and simplicity compared to the hard-to-watch, incoherent offense of last year.
  • Caleb Williams finally has the system, pass-catcher, and OL support to develop—no more built-in excuses.
• Skill Player Deployment Makes Sense
  • DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden slotted correctly; Loveland and Kmet at TE offer actual matchup advantages.
• Dennis Allen as Defensive Coordinator
  • Track record of building versatile, creative, and fundamentally-sound units. Defense didn’t need major overhaul, but did get more talented/deeper.

Notable Quotes:

“The Lions offense does not feel hard...This offense will not feel hard.” – Robert (107:23) “Dennis Allen, the head coach? No. Dennis Allen the DC? Money.” – Dave (111:31)

Swing Points

1. Secondary’s Health & Fit in Allen’s Scheme
   • Jalen Johnson is already banged up and the team needs return to form from Tyrique Stevenson, plus proper safety roles for Bayard and Brisker. ([112:46])
2. Quality & Consistency of Receiving Threats
   • How quickly do rookie TE Colston Loveland and WR Luther Burden become reliable/starring contributors?
3. Front-Seven Depth and Uplift
   • One young front-seven player (Gervon Dexter, Odeyingbo, or Booker) making THE leap would elevate the entire defense. ([114:32])

Potential Red Flags

• Left Tackle Uncertainty and Health ([116:22])
  • Braxton Jones’ recovery is critical; rookie depth unproven. If Jones is only “okay,” the offensive line may not reach identity-defining levels.
• Caleb Williams: On-Time Processing and Decision Making ([119:55–124:45])
  • Does he overcome the “too hesitant” tendency shown in college and preseason? Talent is there, but will rhythm and trust in the system arrive?
• Defensive Ceiling Unsettled
  • Star talent (Jalen Johnson, Montez Sweat, Jarrett) must deliver, and others (especially in the secondary) must close the gap between “looks good on paper” and “delivers on the field.”

Notable Quotes:

“That 3rd down sack Caleb Williams took [in preseason Game 2]...I contrasted that with how he looked in the first preseason game. It’s a microcosm of what I’m worried about.” – Robert (119:55)

Early-Season Watch List

• 12 Personnel Package Usage ([125:42])
  • Will Loveland and Kmet give them true schematic advantages as both are good receivers AND blockers?
• Skill Position Hierarchies and Usage
  • Will RB Menengai emerge as the main running back? How does Burden slot in alongside Moore and Odunze?
• Defensive Fit and Health in Allen’s Scheme
  • Will the “on paper” talent gel into a top unit by November?

Markers of Success

• Top-16 offense and a strong, promising relationship between Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams — “for the first time this century.” ([131:06])
• If that means 8–9 and playing relevant December football, so be it.
• Most critical: "Do you feel you have the right play-caller, the right QB, and they're developing as a pair?" Record is secondary.

Notable Quotes:

“By the end of the year you feel very good about your play caller and quarterback pairing for the first time this century.” – Robert (131:06)

Most Memorable & Notable Quotes

• “Good players, go brrr.” – Robert, on Detroit’s overwhelming talent advantage (8:00)
• “Did Brock Purdy break all our brains?” – Dave, regarding rookie QBs on loaded rosters (69:07)
• “We’re going to get to the end of this season and still think this team doesn’t have enough star players.” – Robert, Packers’ conundrum (91:17)
• “There’s a chance this is really, really awesome to watch [with the Bears’ new offense].” – Derek (105:03)
• “By the end of the year you feel very good about your play caller and quarterback pairing for the first time this century.” – Robert, on Bears’ ultimate benchmark (131:06)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [02:47] Start of Lions Conversation (Offseason recap)

• [05:04] Lions’ Defensive Talent/Secondary

• [11:42] Lions Offensive Line as a swing point

• [17:01] Aidan Hutchinson’s Health

• [19:53] Are the Lions’ best offensive years behind them?

• [24:20] What will the new Lions offense look like?

• [29:30] How different will the Lions defense be under Kelvin Sheppard?

• [32:00] Lions’ front seven depth concerns

• [40:03] Start of Vikings Conversation (Offseason recap)

• [41:12] J.J. McCarthy: The Overarching Storyline

• [51:55] OL major overhaul

• [56:04] Risk at DT/Hargrave & Allen

• [61:51] Vikings’ WR depth/early season crisis

• [65:08] Brian Flores’ next wrinkle

• [67:38] What is “success” for the Vikings?

• [74:08] Packers Offseason Recap

• [75:28] Packers’ Innovation/Team Identity

• [79:07] Swing Point: Pass Rush (Van Ness, Wyatt, etc.)

• [84:03] What is Jordan Love, really?

• [91:17] Packers’ star-power gap

• [104:04] Bears Offseason Recap

• [105:03] Excitement for Ben Johnson’s offense

• [110:41] Why Dennis Allen matters as DC

• [116:22] Concern over LT and OL health

• [119:55] What’s keeping up Mays: Caleb Williams’ processing/on-time decision-making

• [125:42] 12 Personnel intrigue: Loveland & Kmet

• [131:06] What success looks like for the Bears

Conclusion

The 2025 NFC North is rich with storyline and intrigue: Will Detroit’s talent overcome coordinator changes and regression risk? Can Minnesota ride a loaded roster through the turbulence of a rookie QB? Are the Packers more than a cleverly coached sum of B+ parts? Will Chicago finally turn the corner, pairing a franchise coach and quarterback? The hosts balance skepticism with optimism, data with anecdote, and nerdy curiosity with classic gridiron wit. For fans and analysts alike, this episode offers both depth and entertainment—a must-listen preview for one of the league’s most compelling divisions.