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Silver And Black Pride fantasy football takes on Fernando Mendoza
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Silver And Black Pride about Fernando Mendoza.
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26
Positive
16
Negative
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All Silver And Black Pride insights about Fernando Mendoza
NegativeRoleOct 27, 2026
No. 1 overall pick remains on the bench despite Raiders' four-game losing streak and mounting pressure for his first start. Kubiak confirmed Cousins remains QB1 for Week 8 against the Jets. Debate centers on optimal timing: immediate starts for experience versus waiting for softer schedule after Week 13 bye, given upcoming matchups against top-12 defenses (49ers, Broncos, Browns) and the risk of throwing a rookie into difficult situations early.NegativeRoleOct 27, 2026
The No. 1 overall pick has only played in Week 5 in a mop-up role. If the losses pile up, he may get a chance to play.NegativeDepth ChartOct 26, 2026
The No. 1 overall draft pick remains the backup to Kirk Cousins. Kubiak stated Mendoza will 'eventually' play but the time is not now, with the Raiders prioritizing winning in their playoff hunt over accelerating the rookie's development.NegativeRoleOct 26, 2026
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak opened the door to a potential quarterback change, saying 'I think at this point, we're thinking about everything' when asked about making a QB switch. This suggests Fernando Mendoza's job security is in question as the Raiders' playoff hopes fade after dropping their fourth consecutive game.NegativeRoleOct 26, 2026
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza entered the conversation as a potential replacement for Kirk Cousins after the Raiders' 35-21 home loss to the Rams, when first-year coach Klint Kubiak was asked if he is considering benching Cousins. Kubiak's response suggested the team's issues extend beyond the quarterback position.NegativeInjuryOct 24, 2026
Fernando Mendoza is currently unavailable, affecting the Raiders' offensive composition and depth chart; his absence is noted as a factor in team construction during the current stretch.NegativeRoleOct 20, 2026
The rookie No. 1 overall pick was expected to take over from Kirk Cousins as the season progressed and losses mounted, but the Raiders' unexpected 3-0 start has altered the timeline for his ascension. Despite three straight losses dropping the team to 3-3, Cousins' competitive performances against AFC heavyweights have extended his starting role, and Mendoza is unlikely to take over unless the team's playoff hopes are completely dashed.NegativeRoleOct 20, 2026
The No. 1 overall pick did not play in Week 6 after throwing only eight passes in a mop-up role in a lopsided Week 5 defeat, signaling minimal offensive involvement and benching concerns.NegativeDepth ChartOct 19, 2026
Backup QB is being discussed as a potential replacement option if Kirk Cousins' losing streak continues. The source raises the question "is it Fernando Mendoza time?" in the context of the Raiders' three consecutive losses, suggesting he could see playing time if the team's struggles persist.PositiveRoleOct 13, 2026
The #1 overall draft pick finally received playing time in garbage time with 6:06 remaining in the fourth quarter during a blowout loss. Mendoza demonstrated poise and command conducting a no-huddle offense down the field to the red zone, showcasing rookie development and readiness despite limited opportunity. The source notes: 'The highlight of the game for Kubiak came when he finally decided to let his #1 overall draft pick get into the final drive of a blowout loss and get his feet wet a little bit. With 6:06 left in the fourth quarter, Fernando Mendoza entered the game and conducted a no-huddle offense straight down the field. Doing so with poise and command all the way down to the red zone.'NegativeRoleOct 13, 2026
Mendoza appeared in the Patriots blowout after the game got out of hand; while Kirk Cousins wasn't benched for performance reasons, calls for Mendoza to start will intensify if the Raiders continue to struggle. Conor Orr notes that three straight losses will generate conversation about when the No. 1 pick takes over, with the Jets in Week 8 potentially being the sweet spot for his first start unless Las Vegas pulls off upsets before then.NegativeRoleOct 13, 2026
No. 1 overall pick made his NFL regular-season debut in a mop-up role, playing the Raiders' final 10 offensive snaps in a 45-17 loss to New England. Completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards and showed solid mobility; Coach Klint Kubiak praised Mendoza for the speed of his play.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza made his NFL debut in Week 5 garbage time against New England (down 45-17 with ~6 minutes left in Q4). He completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards and came up one yard short on a fourth-down scramble. Head coach Kubiak said: '[Fernando] was prepared, he played fast, he got through his progressions quickly, he knew his hot issues. It was a solid start for him.' Kubiak confirmed Mendoza remains the backup to Kirk Cousins.PositiveProjectionOct 12, 2026
The 2026 #1 overall pick QB made his first live regular-season appearance in garbage time against New England, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards plus 3 rushing yards on a single drive. Mendoza showed accurate progressions, correct reads, good zip on all throws, escapability, and willingness to run; he spread completions across four different receivers with no drops. Even when the Patriots increased defensive pressure in plus territory, he proved capable. The source frames this as a small sample size but cause for excitement, invoking Peyton Manning's adage about learning good football at the end of bad games.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
Las Vegas No. 1 overall pick got snaps late in blowout loss; went 6 of 8 for 48 yards with 1 carry for 3 yards; brief experience described as 'a good one for the Indiana product' despite limited opportunity.NegativeRoleOct 12, 2026
Week 5 rookie debut: The No. 1 pick finally got to play after being benched; his dropback compilation was documented on social media, marking his first NFL playing opportunity.NegativeRoleOct 11, 2026
Rookie backup QB Fernando Mendoza received playing time in the Raiders' blowout loss to the Patriots in Week 5 after head coach Klint Kubiak decided to give him 'some exposure' late in the game. Mendoza's first NFL drive: 6-of-8 completions, 48 passing yards. Mendoza connected with Tre Tucker for a first down gain and stated the experience was valuable: 'It's a good experience. Every rookie has it at some point, so it was just that time.' Kubiak noted all reps are valuable for his development.PositiveProjectionOct 11, 2026
No. 1 overall draft pick made his NFL debut late in the blowout loss, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards in garbage time; the source notes this was valuable experience for a player who will be a starter at some point, and the lopsided game provided a good opportunity to get his NFL feet wet.NegativeRoleOct 10, 2026
Mendoza brings more mobility than Kirk Cousins and can open up the deep passing game more while fitting passes into tight windows more frequently; however, the source believes you have to ride the hot hand with Cousins right now since the Raiders are averaging 28.8 points per game (seventh-best in the NFL). Mendoza's leash on Cousins gets shorter after every week as the rookie gets closer to being ready to play, and one bad game from Cousins could lead to the switch.NegativeRoleOct 6, 2026
The No. 1 overall pick (2026) has served as Kirk Cousins' backup and has not played all season, remaining inactive despite his draft capital.NegativeRoleOct 6, 2026
Mendoza is beginning his NFL career with the Las Vegas Raiders while simultaneously pursuing off-field business interests; the 23-year-old Cal graduate in business administration has launched a 'Finances with Fernando' program through U.S. Bank as a Financial Playmaker, designed to help people in his age bracket build sound financial habits. His talents extend beyond football, and he is expected to be successful in the business sector after his playing career concludes.NegativeRoleOct 1, 2026
Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza was selected by the Raiders with the 2026 No. 1 overall draft pick as a key roster addition to the team that entered the offseason with severely low expectations following a 3-14 season.NegativeRoleSep 30, 2026
Mendoza's timeline to become the Raiders' starting quarterback has moved to the backburner due to Kirk Cousins' strong play and the team's undefeated 3-0 start; the source states that if the Raiders continue winning with Cousins as a primary reason, a quarterback change is 'extremely unlikely,' pushing any succession timeline further into the future.NegativeRoleSep 29, 2026
The No. 1 overall pick served as Kirk Cousins' backup in Week 3 and did not play. Mendoza has not been part of a team that has lost since 2024, maintaining an undefeated streak.PositiveProjectionSep 29, 2026
ESPN predicts Fernando Mendoza as the Las Vegas Raiders quarterback leading the team to a Super Bowl championship in the 2029 season, defeating the Green Bay Packers under coach Klint Kubiak.NegativeDepth ChartSep 28, 2026
Mendoza's path to starting snaps is severely limited. The source states: 'At the rate things are going, Fernando Mendoza might not start a game all year.' With Kirk Cousins performing well and the Raiders at 3-0, Mendoza remains a backup with minimal fantasy relevance.NegativeProjectionSep 26, 2026
In a hypothetical scenario where Mendoza started instead of Cousins in Week 2, one of his strengths at Indiana was throwing under duress, so the outcome wouldn't have been a lock loss. However, a rookie quarterback making his second career start and getting hit 10 times doesn't equate to a winning formula on the surface.NegativeRoleSep 22, 2026
No. 1 overall pick not seeing field time through two weeks due to the Raiders' offensive performance and Kirk Cousins' success; Cousins is tied for league lead with six passing TDs and playing well enough (average overall at 15th in EPA per dropback, 13th in yards per attempt) that the rookie QB remains on the bench.NegativeRoleSep 22, 2026
The No. 1 overall pick (2026) served as Kirk Cousins backup in Week 2 and did not play; remains in a backup role with no offensive snaps through two games.PositiveRoleSep 22, 2026
Mendoza won a national championship with Becker at Indiana last season and already have built chemistry together, providing a quarterback-receiver connection that supports the Raiders' potential interest in pairing them in the 2027 draft.PositiveRoleSep 19, 2026
Mendoza is emulating Kirk Cousins' preparation and study habits, suggesting a serious commitment to professional development and quarterback mastery; The Athletic reports he is copying Cousins' every move in his approach to the position.PositiveRoleSep 17, 2026
The source notes that Mendoza, a week into his pro career as the Las Vegas Raiders rookie quarterback, has already demonstrated significant off-field selling power; State Farm Insurance debuted a new commercial spot featuring Mendoza alongside famed pitchman 'Jake From State Farm,' positioning the Heisman Trophy winner in a spot about beginning his new life in Las Vegas. The source characterizes Mendoza as 'a natural in front of the camera' and suggests this is 'probably just the beginning of a long TV career,' indicating strong commercial appeal and marketability that may enhance his profile and endorsement opportunities.NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
The No. 1 overall pick from the 2026 draft class served as Kirk Cousins' backup in Week 1 and did not play; he was observed taking notes on the sideline.NegativeRoleSep 12, 2026
Rookie QB and future of the franchise; Brock Bowers prioritizes keeping experienced left tackle Kolton Miller to protect Mendoza's blind side during his rookie season rather than trading Miller for draft capital. Brock Bowers is not comfortable trusting a player who has barely played in the NFL (like Charles Grant) to protect Mendoza during his rookie year, emphasizing that keeping Mendoza healthy is more important than picking up draft capital that cannot be used until the spring.PositiveDepth ChartSep 11, 2026
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will be the No. 2 quarterback behind Kirk Cousins. The Raiders feel strongly about where Mendoza is in his development and are confident he can play if needed, as evidenced by Aidan O'Connell being relegated to No. 3.NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, has been benched in favor of veteran Kirk Cousins as the Raiders' starting quarterback. Head coach Klint Kubiak opted not to throw Mendoza into the fire as an NFL neophyte, instead leveraging Cousins' familiarity with the coaching staff. However, one poor performance from Cousins could trigger Raider Nation to demand Mendoza become the starter, particularly given the high stakes of the home opener and fan base expectations.PositiveDepth ChartSep 10, 2026
No. 1 overall draft pick listed as Kirk Cousins' backup, ahead of veteran Aidan O'Connell in the backup quarterback competition. Mendoza holds the clear depth chart edge in the backup role.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Mendoza's starting role and performance will be a key driver of Raiders watchability in 2026; the source notes that if Mendoza starts playing and plays well, the Raiders will be very watchable, especially with other young talent emerging. This suggests his role as the starting quarterback is contingent on performance but carries significant upside for team competitiveness and viewer interest.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
No. 1 overall pick expected to eventually replace Kirk Cousins as the Raiders' starter. The central narrative tension for Las Vegas is how long Cousins can hold off the switch to Mendoza. NFL.com's Nick Shook notes that Cousins could delay the passing of the torch by producing quickly, but Mendoza will likely see the field before long. The Ringer's Diante Lee raises the question of whether the Raiders' supposed discipline in letting Mendoza learn from the sideline will hold if the team starts 1-3 or worse after the opening month, or if head coach Klint Kubiak will want a look at the future of the franchise sooner.PositiveDepth ChartSep 9, 2026
Mendoza is listed ahead of Aidan O'Connell in the QB2 spot on the Raiders' unofficial Week 1 depth chart against Miami, signaling he is the next quarterback up if Kirk Cousins gets injured and will be active on Sunday. The source notes this is a decent sign for the No. 1 pick's availability, though the coaching staff could adjust by game day.PositiveProjectionSep 8, 2026
ESPN's Ryan McFadden identifies Mendoza as showing "the signs of a franchise quarterback" and emphasizes that when Las Vegas decides to start him, it will be critical for him to demonstrate he can guide the offense long-term; given the Raiders' recent quarterback history, stability at the position is essential for the organization's turnaround, making Mendoza's development the biggest factor in the team's youth movement and future contention in 2027 and beyond.NegativeRoleSep 7, 2026
Number one overall draft pick made a strong push for the starting QB role but lost the Week 1 starter competition to Kirk Cousins, who demonstrated more NFL polish and consistency over the summer without turnovers.NegativeDepth ChartSep 6, 2026
No. 1 overall pick expected to sit and learn behind veteran Kirk Cousins to start the season. Former Raiders executive Amy Trask supports the decision, noting the team drafted Mendoza as their quarterback of the future but must balance short-term performance with long-term development under head coach Klint Kubiak's emphasis on long-term planning and success. The Raiders are in rebuild mode targeting contention in the next few seasons, and Mendoza's confidence should not be shaken early despite having the personality to handle it.NegativeProjectionSep 5, 2026
Rookie QB expected to make first start in Week 8 against the Jets, possibly Week 9 against the 49ers to avoid an East Coast trip; initially projected at 6.5 games but adjusted upward due to Week 7 matchup against Rams, Myles Garrett, and Aaron Donald being a poor debut scenario. Kirk Cousins expects Raiders to be 2-5 with home wins vs. Dolphins and Chiefs before the change, citing that if Las Vegas isn't winning with Kirk Cousins, the organization will be forced to make the switch to see what Mendoza has and avoid losing the locker room.PositiveRoleSep 5, 2026
Vincent Bonsignore of the California Post argues that despite the Raiders starting Kirk Cousins making sense, Fernando Mendoza must play: 'short of a miracle, Fernando Mendoza has to play.' Bonsignore emphasizes that Mendoza was drafted No. 1 overall to play, not to follow someone else's timeline, drawing a comparison to Brady and Mahomes' own development journeys. Amy Trask, CBS Sports the source, frames the decision as needing to be collaborative between head coach Klint Kubiak, GM John Spytek, and the scouting staff.NegativeRoleSep 4, 2026
Raiders No. 1 overall pick QB projected to make first NFL start in Week 14 against Los Angeles Chargers, replacing Kirk Cousins after the team makes a 'key decision pivot at quarterback' at 3-9 heading into bye week. Source notes 'Despite the plan of sit and learn minority owner Tom Brady has for the Raiders' prized No. 1 overall selection in the 2026 draft, Fernando Mendoza's first start at quarterback in place of Cousins. It isn't pretty but the lumps taken in this game help Mendoza's development.' Mendoza then starts Weeks 15-18, with the offense clicking by Week 16.PositiveProjectionSep 4, 2026
The source identifies Fernando Mendoza as a potential beneficiary of the Raiders' upgraded offensive line, noting that improved blocking will make him comfortable and allow him to make plays; this positions him as a secondary QB option whose fantasy value depends on the offensive line's sustained performance into the regular season.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
No. 1 overall pick benched for Week 1 as the Raiders named Kirk Cousins the starter. Mendoza will begin the season on the bench, with his depth chart status uncertain—ESPN reported he could be the emergency quarterback (No. 3) if Aidan O'Connell is the backup. Coach Klint Kubiak emphasized that Mendoza must get as many reps as possible to prepare for his NFL debut, though this will be difficult during the season as starters get most practice reps. Mendoza will work early and late in the day with quarterback coach Mike Sullivan. The timeline for his entry is fluid and will depend on Cousins' performance and health, the team's record, Mendoza's readiness, and the health of the offensive line; the team will likely evaluate the situation on a weekly basis.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, will not start Week 1 for the Raiders; Kirk Cousins will lead the team instead. Coach Klint Kubiak and GM John Spytek have stated they would not rush a rookie quarterback onto the field in a perfect world, and part owner Tom Brady reportedly also favored not playing Mendoza early. Mendoza will work with the first-team offense during the week and continue to prepare while Cousins starts.PositiveProjectionSep 2, 2026
No. 1 overall pick quarterback is one of the favorites to win the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award; plays the most important position on the field and has a chance to be the face of the franchise; shares the Raiders' backfield with fourth-round RB Mike Washington Jr.NegativeRoleSep 1, 2026
Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, is the centerpiece of the Raiders' youth movement. Kirk Cousins is expected to start Week 1 at home against Miami, but Mendoza's path to the starting role is being managed for development. GM John Spytek said of Mendoza: "his time is coming, but he has to earn it every day," indicating a measured approach to his integration into the offense.PositiveProjectionSep 1, 2026
Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner, is priced at +600 to win the 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, tied for the second-lowest (best) odds in the league. Despite potentially not starting the season as the starting quarterback, oddsmakers believe he could play at any time and make enough impact to win the award.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Mendoza has yet to take a game snap from Tyler Linderbaum or enjoy blindside protection from Kolton Miller, meaning the Raiders' complete starting offensive line has only taken the field for three series in the entire preseason. This lack of reps with the full starting unit is a critical gap in his development timeline.PositiveProjectionAug 31, 2026
Mendoza has shown he is the real deal throughout preseason; he has demonstrated an ability to get through all of his reads if necessary and will find the open guy when given time to throw, indicating he isn't holding onto the ball for no reason. However, he should sit behind Kirk Cousins because his supporting cast—pass protection and receiving corps—is not yet ready to support a pocket passer's development.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Mendoza, the prized No. 1 overall draft pick, will begin the season on the bench behind Kirk Cousins; however, the source still expects to see Mendoza playing this season, suggesting a role change or starting opportunity later in the year.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
The Las Vegas Raiders drafted Mendoza with plans for him to become the starting quarterback, but the team brought in Kirk Cousins as a stopgap to allow Mendoza time to develop. During preseason, Mendoza showed ups and downs, prompting the team to have Cousins start early in the season. The timeline for Mendoza to assume the starting role remains uncertain; only 25% of Raider Nation fans believe he will start 10 games this season, suggesting expectations for a prolonged backup role before he takes over.NegativeDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
Fernando Mendoza is competing with Kirk Cousins for the Raiders' starting quarterback role; after three preseason games, Cousins holds the lead in the competition.NegativeProjectionAug 28, 2026
Back-to-back interceptions in preseason games signal he won't be the Raiders' Week 1 starter; in the third preseason game, he threw into a tight window to 5-foot-11 Jalen Nailor and was intercepted. The offense operates more smoothly with veteran Kirk Cousins behind center, who has familiarity with Klint Kubiak's system, further cementing that the rookie's hopes of starting Week 1 have ended.NegativeRoleAug 28, 2026
Rookie quarterback for the Raiders; Head coach Klint Kubiak called out his wideouts after the preseason game against Houston, suggesting the Raiders could be looking for more pass-catchers to pair with Mendoza for the long haul, indicating the team is building around him as the long-term QB solution.NegativeProjectionAug 28, 2026
Rookie quarterback struggled in preseason finale and across full preseason; went 7 of 14 for 57 yards with one interception and two sacks in final game. For preseason, Mendoza went 25 of 45 for 240 yards with one touchdown, two interceptions and four sacks while being pressured often. His 59.5 passer rating ranks 32nd of 36 first-round QBs who played in preseason as a rookie since 2015, ahead of only Jared Goff, Jameis Winston, Anthony Richardson and Carson Wentz. Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak has not announced Week 1 starter but all signs point to Kirk Cousins.NegativeProjectionAug 26, 2026
Rookie QB and No. 1 overall pick has struggled significantly under pressure in preseason despite playing well when clean. According to Warren Sharp, Mendoza ranks #44 in EPA/att when pressured (-1.36) and #42 in accuracy (4-of-11, 36%) with 3.5 YPA; he has taken 9 hits, 2 sacks, and 1 INT across two preseason games. While he hasn't faced No. 1 defenses or played with the Raiders' first-unit offense, the concern is compounded by Las Vegas playing the #2 toughest schedule of pass rushes this year with 7 games vs top-10 pass rushes. The key to his success will be receiving adequate protection in the regular season.NegativeProjectionAug 25, 2026
The source poses a fan survey question about whether Fernando Mendoza will achieve 10 starts for the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2026 season, framing his potential playing time as a key fantasy-relevant metric for the upcoming year.NegativeRoleAug 25, 2026
Kirk Cousins is the clear starter; Mendoza has received first-string reps but has primarily worked with the second team throughout training camp. Camp reports show a mix of good and bad practices with occasional fluctuation throughout the day, indicating no indication the Raiders will deviate from their plan of easing the rookie into the NFL.NegativeProjectionAug 22, 2026
Rookie QB completed 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards, 0 TDs, and 1 INT in second preseason game vs. Texans. Head coach Klint Kubiak praised his preparation and progressions in the quarterback meeting, noting he was "very impressed with how prepared he has made himself." Kubiak highlighted strong third-down performance and ball placement under pressure, but flagged a pick-six and cadence-related false start penalty as issues requiring immediate correction. This is Mendoza's final preseason opportunity to beat out Kirk Cousins for the starting QB job ahead of Week 1 vs. Miami.NegativeProjectionAug 21, 2026
No. 1 pick had an off-night highlighted by a pick-six and looked jittery with a slow start during his first couple of drives. However, there is shared blame and miscommunication with Mike Washington Jr. on the interception. Mendoza settled in to make a handful of quality throws and somewhat salvaged the performance; his stat line was made to look worse by Malik Benson's receiving issues. While he needs to play better moving forward, this performance keeps him from being labeled a 'loser' by the source.PositiveProjectionAug 21, 2026
The source identifies Mendoza as a future franchise quarterback for the Raiders under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Kubiak's coaching staff is described as miles ahead of Pete Carroll's 2025 setup, suggesting improved offensive environment. Kirk Cousins was brought in as a mentor, having played with Nailor in Minnesota, indicating organizational confidence in Mendoza's development trajectory.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
Rookie quarterback leading the Raiders' rebuild on one of the youngest rosters in the NFL; the source notes the Raiders have an average player age of 25.7 years (sixth youngest in the league), with Mendoza anchoring a young core that includes key players under 25.NegativeRoleAug 21, 2026
The Raiders' starting offense didn't play in the preseason game, which is a strong indication that Kirk Cousins is very much the expected starter for Week 1. While there had been some media momentum that Mendoza could steal the starting job, Cousins is still very much the leader for the job. Coach Klint Kubiak refused to name Cousins the starter but said Mendoza has 'plenty he can learn from' this performance.PositiveProjectionAug 21, 2026
Mendoza struggled in the preseason game against Houston's second and third-string defense, completing 8 of 15 passes for 86 yards with one interception and a quarterback rating of 42.6. He threw an 80-yard Pick Six to rookie linebacker Wade Woodaz on a bad throw behind his target. While he did connect on six straight passes at one point and hit fellow rookie Malik Benson for an 18-yard completion, the source notes it wasn't a great night for the No. 1 overall pick and he was better last week against Arizona. He was under pressure behind the No. 2 offensive line and didn't play after the first half.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
The Raiders are expected to feature their quarterback working under center significantly more in 2026 under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. In the first preseason game against Arizona, Mendoza's team placed the quarterback under center 63 percent of early downs in the first half, up from 43 percent during the previous year's preseason under Chip Kelly—a 20 percent increase that ranked among the highest in the league in Week 1 of the 2026 preseason. This trend is expected to continue into the regular season.PositiveRoleAug 19, 2026
The source predicts Mendoza will remain on the Raiders' roster as the backup quarterback behind Kirk Cousins. Mendoza looked comfortable enough in Klint Kubiak's offense in the preseason game against the Cardinals to ease concerns about his ability to step in if Cousins gets injured. This comfort level is cited as a key reason the Raiders are trending toward keeping just two quarterbacks, with Mendoza securing the backup role over Aidan O'Connell.NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
The No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza will not be the starting QB for the Raiders in 2026, with Kirk Cousins winning the starting job and expected to remain the starter for much or all of the season. This decision has disappointed a faction of Raiders fans who wanted the top rookie to get his shot immediately.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza got extensive work with the first-team offense for the first time in training camp during the joint practice against Houston's stout defense. He had some nice moments but also struggled along with the rest of the Raiders' offense, throwing a Pick 6. Head coach Klint Kubiak indicated Mendoza will get a lot of reps going forward.PositiveProjectionAug 18, 2026
Mendoza's preseason debut against Arizona showed strong arm strength, anticipation, and decision-making in tight windows. The source highlights his understanding of defensive vulnerabilities pre-snap, quick processing (one-step drop), and willingness to attack openings; he threw two tight-window completions including a touchdown to Jack Bech. While not perfect, the source concludes there was 'plenty of reason for Raider Nation to be optimistic about the future' from the No. 1 overall pick.PositiveProjectionAug 18, 2026
Mendoza demonstrated the ability to throw tight-window passes over the middle, attacking openings in the defense with anticipation and velocity. The source specifically highlights a play-action deep curl to Malik Benson where Mendoza 'sees the open window between the two second-level defenders' and threads the ball 'past the backer's ear, through the window' with great understanding of defensive vulnerability. This counters the narrative that 'he doesn't throw over the middle.'PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
The source highlights Mendoza's ability to work through progressions and find checkdowns when nothing is open, demonstrating understanding of play structure and the playbook. He showed good footwork in the pocket with feet tied to his eyes while working through reads, and made smart decisions under pressure—all from under center. The source notes this processing and decision-making is 'great' and counters narratives about his limitations.PositiveProjectionAug 18, 2026
In his preseason debut against Arizona, Mendoza completed 10 of 16 pass attempts (62.5%) for 97 yards and a touchdown with no interceptions; Pro Football Focus adjusted his completion percentage to 71.4% after attributing two incompletions to throwaways. The source notes he was 'sharp' and showed strong processing through progressions, good checkdown reads, accurate ball placement, and tight-window throws over the middle—areas previously questioned about his game.NegativeDepth ChartAug 18, 2026
Fernando Mendoza is competing with Kirk Cousins for the Raiders starting quarterback position; both had good showings against the Cardinals in Week 1 and will face stiff competition against the Texans' dominant defense in joint practice, with each rep critical and consistency king in the battle.NegativeRoleAug 15, 2026
The source frames Mendoza as competing for the starting quarterback job in preseason, positioning him as a candidate in the Raiders' QB competition during the 2026 rebuild year.PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
Rookie QB competing for starting job; after solid preseason debut (5-for-6, 50 yards, 1 TD on his only drive), head coach Klint Kubiak indicated Mendoza is likely to get reps with the starting offense moving forward. If he continues playing well over the next couple of weeks, he could be the Week 1 starter, though Kirk Cousins remains the favorite.