Four NFL games to watch in 2025 if you're a Mizzou fan
In 2025, three Tigers had their names called during the seven-round draft, and five others signed as undrafted free agents in the weeks following the event. Going into minicamp, there are now 25 players on active rosters who repped the black and gold, so what are some of the key matchups involving them this season?
Luther Burden III of the Chicago Bears is one of many former Mizzou players who are set to be key contributors in the NFL this season © Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
1. Luther Burden's Debut | Vikings at Bears (September 8, ABC/ESPN, 7:15 p.m. CT)
This game was one that was definitely circled by many Tigers fans when the schedule was released. The homegrown wide receiver has been a fan favorite in Columbia since he flipped his commitment from Oklahoma in the Fall of 2021 and that will continue on into his professional career.
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To add to the drama, the second round pick of the Chicago Bears will have his debut amplified under the bright lights of Monday Night Football. I'm sure the No. 87 Burden jerseys will be out loud and proud in Columbia for this game.
2. Armand Membou's Debut | Steelers at Jets (September 7, CBS, 12:00 p.m. CT)
Another debut for a beloved local product, Membou's introduction to the pros will be something many across the Show-Me state will tune in for. Membou was selected seventh overall in this year's NFL Draft and is projected to become a cornerstone for a rebuilding New York Jets team that recently moved on from Aaron Rodgers.
Membou will likely be blocking for Justin Fields this upcoming season, but former Missouri quarterback Brady Cook was also signed by the Jets as a undrafted free agent. This game could be the start of a legendary NFL career.
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3. Burden v. Rakestraw | Bears vs. Lions (September 14, FOX, 12:00 p.m. CT and Week 18, TBD)
The former teammates turned division rivals will get the opportunity to meet twice in 2025. Both players were selected in the second round the past two drafts and both were key contributors in the Tigers' Cotton Bowl victory during the 2023 season. With the way these two teams are looking, this matchup will be one that Mizzou fans will have circled for years to come.
Hopefully we'll get a few snaps of Burden and Rakestraw matched up in coverage so we can have some debates settled.
4. Nick Bolton vs. Denver "Tigers" | Chiefs vs. Broncos (November 16, CBS, 3:25 p.m CT, and Christmas Day, Prime, 7:15 p.m. CT)
With the addition of two more Tigers to their roster this offseason, you might as well call the Denver Broncos the Denver Tigers. The boys in the Mile High City have the most active Missouri alumni on their roster after they added Johnny Walker Jr and Kristian Williams to their squad from undrafted free agency. The team already had Tyler Badie and Kris Abrams-Draine, so it's safe to say there is quite a large Mizzou influence in the locker room.
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Denver will matchup with division rival Kansas City and fellow Mizzou alumni Nick Bolton twice in 2025, so those games will be ones to watch. With how wild the NFL can get, who knows, maybe we'll get to see Badie try to shake Bolton to break off a big run when the games close.
Related: Sportsbook Sets Interesting Win Total for Mizzou Football in 2025
Related: Mizzou Football Omitted from Another Post-Spring Ranking
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