The Ringer Fantasy Football Show on Kirk Cousins

PodcastFive Breakout Offenses No One's Talking About (and Who to Draft From Them)August 12, 2026

From the episode

I actually believe that he will not play until he's better than Kirk cousins for this year. Whether that means Kirk is terrible. Mendoza is amazing. Kirk gets hurt, whatever. But I do think they're going to play Kirk until they think Mendoza gives them a better shot.

Mentioned at 24:03 – 24:24

STACKED’s take

NeutralRole

Cousins starting for Raiders; Mendoza waiting in wings.

Cousins is the starting quarterback for the Raiders; the source believes the Raiders will play Cousins until they think Fernando Mendoza gives them a better shot at winning, suggesting Cousins' role is secure in the short term but potentially vulnerable if Mendoza develops quickly.