When will Fernando Mendoza make his first start?
NBC Sports • • sports
Key Points:
- Raiders coach Klint Kubiak prefers not to start a rookie quarterback immediately, leading to the signing of veteran Kirk Cousins before drafting rookie Fernando Mendoza first overall.
- Sportsbooks favor Cousins to start Week 1, but the NFL schedule allows the Raiders the option to start Mendoza early if desired.
- The Raiders' early-season opponents include the rebuilding Dolphins, Chargers (who lost their defensive coordinator), and Saints, presenting a potentially manageable start for a rookie QB.
- If the Raiders delay Mendoza’s start until Week 12, it would be followed by a bye week, with a challenging closing schedule against teams like the Chargers, Broncos, Titans, Cardinals, and Chiefs.
- The Raiders will not have a primetime game in 2026, meaning there will be no national spotlight on Mendoza if he becomes the starter this season.