What happened: Television analyst Manti Te'o cautioned that Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza faces a difficult matchup in his first career NFL start against the Seattle Seahawks defense. Days after backing the Raiders' decision to elevate Mendoza to the starting job, Te'o noted that while he expects Mendoza to have a successful career, that success will not begin this weekend against Seattle.
Why it matters: The 4-5 Raiders currently hold the ninth seed in the conference after dropping their last contest 38-17. Seattle sits at 5-4 as the eighth seed, presenting an immediate test for a Las Vegas offense adjusting to life after trading Kirk Cousins.
By the numbers: Mendoza has completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards in 2026 through 1 game. Las Vegas enters at 4-5 in 2026 through 9 games, while Seattle stands at 5-4 in 2026 through 9 games.
What to watch: Mendoza makes his first NFL start on Sunday when the Raiders face the Seahawks.