Highlighting NFC North blockbuster games of 2025 season

The NFL released its complete schedule for the 2025 season on Wednesday. Here is the blockbuster game (and another intriguing matchup) for every team in the NFC North. 

Chicago Bears | Complete schedule 

BLOCKBUSTER | at Detroit Lions, Sept. 14 (Week 2): This offseason, the Bears hired head coach Ben Johnson, Lions offensive coordinator from 2022-24.

During his time in Detroit, Johnson gained recognition for drawing up creative plays and leading high-scoring offenses. During the 2024 season, the Lions led the league in points scored (33.2). 

Can he produce the same results as the Bears' second-year quarterback, Caleb Williams? Johnson's return to Detroit could show whether the quarterback and coach have jelled.

ALSO INTRIGUING | at Philadelphia Eagles, Nov. 28 (Week 13): This matchup against the defending Super Bowl champions could be one of the bigger tests of Williams' career thus far. 

The Eagles' stingy defense features budding stars in defensive lineman Jalen Carter and cornerbacks Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. The talented unit allowed the league's second-fewest points (17.8) last season. 

However, the Bears reloaded their offense this offseason, taking tight end Colston Loveland (pick No. 10) and WR Luther Burden III (pick No. 39) in the 2025 NFL Draft. If the No. 1 pick of the 2024 draft meshes with his new weapons throughout the season, Williams may catch Philadelphia off guard.    

Detroit Lions | Complete schedule 

BLOCKBUSTER | at Washington Commanders, Nov. 9 (Week 10): The Commanders dashed the Lions' Super Bowl hopes last season when they beat them 45-31 in the divisional round. This matchup could be a revenge game for Detroit.

Lions EDGE Aidan Hutchinson suffered a season-ending tibia/fibula fracture in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys last season. Before the injury, he had 7.5 sacks in five games. 

He was missed in the playoff game against Washington, where Detroit had no sacks. Even if Hutchinson plays in Week 10, rattling Commanders QB Jayden Daniels, 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year, could prove difficult. 

ALSO INTRIGUING | at Kansas City Chiefs, Oct. 12 (Week 6): In their last matchup during the 2023 season, the Lions upset the Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City 21-20.

Can they beat Kansas City again in 2025? While the Chiefs have won two Super Bowls over the past three seasons, they may have some holes, specifically their pass defense. 

In 2024, the Chiefs ranked 18th in the league in passing yards allowed (218.8). Lions QB Jared Goff, who threw for the league's second-most passing yards (4,629 in 17 starts) last season, may exploit this weakness. 

Green Bay Packers | Complete schedule 

BLOCKBUSTER | at Lions, Nov. 27 (Week 13): The Lions and Packers will meet for a 23rd time on Thanksgiving in Week 13. Green Bay beat Detroit 29-22 in its last matchup on the holiday during the 2023 season. 

Last season, the Lions swept the Packers, winning the division for a second consecutive year. Green Bay could reclaim the title, though, after the Lions lost Johnson and former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn this offseason. (The New York Jets hired Glenn as their HC.) 

If both teams are contending for a playoff spot in Week 13, this matchup could have massive NFC North implications. 

ALSO INTRIGUING | at Dallas Cowboys, Sept. 28 (Week 4): Packers QB Jordan Love had one of his better games against the Cowboys in the 2023 wild-card round. In the 48-32 road win, he completed 16-of-21 passes for 272 yards and three touchdowns.

Love struggled to find his groove last season. In 15 starts, he tossed 25 TD passes but also threw 11 interceptions. 

Perhaps another big day against Dallas will give him the early boost he needs to cement himself as an elite QB in 2025. 

Minnesota Vikings | Complete schedule 

BLOCKBUSTER | at Chicago Bears, Sept. 8 (Week 1): The Vikings have yet to name a starter, but J.J. McCarthy is Minnesota's presumptive QB1. 

The 10th pick of the 2024 draft didn't play his rookie season because of a knee injury he suffered in the preseason. Despite his inexperience, the 22-year-old has said he knows he's "ready to start."  

While he has the confidence a franchise QB needs, the former Michigan star must prove he's the guy for the Vikings. The Chicago native's performance in his hometown in Week 1 could set the tone for his first season as a starter.

ALSO INTRIGUING | at Seattle Seahawks, Nov. 30 (Week 13): In 2024, QB Sam Darnold tossed the league's fifth-most TD passes (35) in 17 starts with the Vikings. He also went 14-3 as a starter, guiding the team to the playoffs. 

Still, the Vikings let him walk in free agency. In March, he signed a three-year, $100.5M deal with the Seahawks. 

Darnold could prove letting him go was a mistake in a home matchup for Seattle, or that his success was a byproduct of Vikings HC Kevin O'Connell's offensive wizardry.