What happened: Rookie Fernando Mendoza's first two starts at quarterback for the Raiders come against the Seahawks and Broncos. He takes over after Las Vegas traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota.
Why it matters: The Raiders sit ninth in the seeding at 4-5, and the new quarterback's first test is two of the league's better-regarded defenses back to back. Cousins had thrown 20 touchdown passes in nine games before the deal.
By the numbers: Raiders: 4-5 in 2026 through 9 games, ninth seed, one-game losing streak. Last game: lost 38-17 at the San Francisco 49ers on Nov. 8.
What to watch: Mendoza's debut as a starter comes against the first of the two defenses, with Denver or Seattle the other.