What happened: The Las Vegas Raiders installed rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza as their starter following the trade of Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings. Mendoza, selected No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, steps into the primary role after serving as the backup through the first nine weeks of the regular season.
Why it matters: The transition shifts Las Vegas into evaluation mode for its rookie passer amid a 4-5 campaign. Cousins posted 20 touchdown passes before departing, leaving Mendoza to guide an offense sitting ninth in the AFC playoff race following a 38-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.
By the numbers: Las Vegas Raiders: 4-5 record through 9 games in 2026 (AFC No. 9 seed). Kirk Cousins: 20 touchdown passes through 9 games prior to the trade.
What to watch: Mendoza makes his first career NFL start on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks before facing the Denver Broncos.