3 NFL games that Oregon Ducks fans must circle on their calendar to catch the program's best rookies in action

The Oregon Ducks didn't win the National Championship after a perfect regular season, but the 2024-25 campaign was program defining. Dan Lanning became the head man of a powerhouse who can win any game and recruiting battle. After putting 10 players into the pros, Ducks fans will want to follow their NFL careers.

After analyzing the 2025 NFL schedule drop, there are three games where both teams will have a key Oregon star featured. Which games do you need to circle on your calendar this fall? Let's take a look.

Washington Commanders at Kansas City Chiefs

When: Week 8

We could see some head-to-head matchups between Washington first-round pick Josh Conerly Jr. and Kansas City's fifth-round pick Jeffrey Bassa. We also may not, considering the Chiefs' roster depth is good enough to put Bassa at risk of being put on the practice squad for the season. However, his versatility certainly gives him the chance to be a subpackage option.

Conerly is in a similar position, even though tackles don't rotate off the field. He could compete for the right tackle job against Andrew Wylie instead of being relegated to the backup left tackle job automatically.

Conerly needs to add strength, but Wylie is one of the most replaceable starting tackles in the NFL. It'd be fun to see both guys carve out a role right away.

San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals

When: Week 11

We could see another more Duck-on-Duck battles in this NFC West. Arizona third-round defensive lineman Jordan Burch should have a spot in Jonathan Gannon's rotation right away, given how the unit needs a bump in its pass-rushing effectiveness. Burch was a bad run defender at Oregon but has great strength and burst to be a specialist.

He could see Jordan James in the hole on a few snaps. James was a bit of a surprising selected in the fifth for a team that makes odd choices for its running backs. James is a subpar athlete, but after losing Jordan Mason, maybe they see him as a realistic replacement.

Plus, this is a rivalry game, so tensions will be high and it's a must-watch affair anyway. Any Ducks-related matchups are just a cherry on top.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Los Angeles Rams

When: Week 12

We're staying in the NFC for the final game to watch. Two Super Bowl hopefuls square off in a unique matchup that should be a measuring stick opportunity. That should mean we'll see high-level coaching.

That bodes well for second-round tight end Terrance Ferguson of the Rams. Ferguson may not start over Tyler Higbee if the latter is healthy, but there's a good chance he becomes the primary pass-catching option at the position. The quasi-receiver can be a real difference-maker, and Tampa's safety position looks especially vulnerable.

On the other side is Tez Johnson. He's a longshot to be on the active roster, but we've seen injuries to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin often enough to believe he could be utilized. Johnson is a baller but faces immense physical limitations to become a sustainably productive player.