Windy City Gridiron on Fernando Mendoza

ArticleWeek 9 NFL Power Rankings: Trade Deadline Status and Needs for Each TeamNovember 3, 2026

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From the article

we haven't even seen No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza get his first NFL start yet

Captured by STACKED 3 hr after posting

STACKED’s take

NeutralRole

Mendoza hasn't started yet; Raiders unlikely to make playoff push.

Raiders No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza has not yet started an NFL game; the team is taking a patient approach with the rookie quarterback and is unlikely to challenge for a playoff spot this season, which is typical for teams with high-draft-pick rookie quarterbacks.

Fernando MendozaLVPlayer page — value, ADP, projections, and every insight

Fernando MendozaPositiveRole

Davis: no pressure to start Mendoza; Cousins bridge allows learning without rushed development.

Yahoo Sports NFL

Fernando MendozaNegativeRole

No. 1 pick Mendoza limited to mop-up duty in Week 5 only.

Yahoo Sports NFL

Fernando MendozaNegativeRole

No. 1 pick Mendoza limited to mop-up duty in Week 5 only

Silver And Black Pride

Fernando MendozaNeutralRole

Mendoza hasn't started yet; Raiders should build, not trade.

Yahoo Sports NFL

Fernando MendozaPositiveRole

Mendoza should get valuable reps before season's end.

Yahoo Sports NFL

Fernando MendozaPositiveProjection

Mendoza hasn't started yet, but Raiders' trajectory looks promising with him.

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