The Phinsider on Fernando Mendoza

ArticleDolphins vs. Raiders: Kirk Cousins named starter for Las Vegas in Week 1
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first-overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will begin the season as the backup. The Raiders opting to let Mendoza begin the season on the bench snaps a streak of six-straight quarterbacks selected number one overall to start in Week 1.
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No. 1 pick Mendoza benched to start season, breaking six-year trend

First-overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza (2026) will begin the 2026 season as backup quarterback for Las Vegas Raiders; Heisman Trophy and National Championship winner from Indiana; Raiders' decision to bench Mendoza breaks a streak of six consecutive number-one overall quarterbacks starting in Week 1.

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