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The Phinsider fantasy football takes on Fernando Mendoza
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from The Phinsider about Fernando Mendoza.
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All The Phinsider insights about Fernando Mendoza
NegativeRoleSep 11, 2026
Raiders quarterback not yet starting but critical to franchise direction. Raiders have cycled through eight different starting quarterbacks since benching Derek Carr four years ago. When Mendoza gets his shot, looking like a capable starter will be essential for giving Raider Nation optimism about the future.NegativeProjectionSep 11, 2026
First-overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza met expectations during training camp and preseason, showing growth in working under center, going through reads, and throwing into tight windows over the middle—three areas considered knocks on him at Indiana. However, the offense ran more smoothly with Kirk Cousins, and the source now projects Mendoza's first start around Week 8 rather than Week 6, allowing the offensive line time to gel and the rookie a grace period to adjust to the NFL.NegativeRoleSep 2, 2026
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.