What happened: Rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza will take over as the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders following the trade of Kirk Cousins. The move comes after the Raiders kept Kirk Cousins as starting QB over Fernando Mendoza in late October. Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, now assumes control of the Las Vegas offense.
Why it matters: At 4-5 through nine games, Las Vegas turns to its franchise rookie to navigate a pivotal stretch in the AFC standings. Mendoza faces an immediate test with his first two career starts coming against two of the league's top defenses in the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos.
By the numbers: Mendoza has completed 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards in 2026 through one game. Cousins departs after completing 202 of 315 passes for 2,340 yards, 20 touchdowns, and eight interceptions through nine games. Las Vegas enters Mendoza's first start at 4-5, while upcoming opponents Seattle and Denver hold 5-4 and 7-2 records, respectively.
What to watch: Mendoza will make his first career start against the Seattle Seahawks before matching up against the Denver Broncos.