“It’s going to do a lot of great things for [Mendoza]. [Cousins] is a true pro. He knows how to run the team and everything the right way. It’ll be great for Fernando to learn and just take in. Hopefully not too much,” Mahomes admitted during his postgame press conference. “Because it went really well for me and Alex [Smith], hopefully not that much [for Mendoza, Cousins, and the Raiders] unless I’m gone or something like that.”

Mahomes came into the league as the 10th overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft but didn’t start right away. Instead, Andy Reid and the Chiefs sat him for virtually his entire rookie year (Mahomes only played one game) and had Alex Smith teach him the ropes in Kansas City.

The move paid off right away, and Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns in only his second year in the league. Whatever the antonym to a sophomore slump is, Mahomes enjoyed that in 2018. The rest is history.

Chiefs are off to red-hot start and Raiders, too

In 2026, Mahomes and company are off to chase more records and silverware. As it stands, the Chiefs are one of three teams to start the 2026 NFL season 4-0, along with the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers.

So far, the Raiders have copied the Chiefs’ blueprint and they have a lot to show for it, as Cousins is playing some of the best football of his career, while Mendoza hasn’t seen the field yet but is taking it all in. In the long run, taking his rookie year to be an apprentice rather than being tossed into the fire of a storied franchise with high expectations and a loud fanbase appears to be the best option.

If you don’t believe it, ask Mahomes and the Chiefs. They have three rings, five Super Bowl appearances, and are far from done. That should answer any questions.

The Raiders mimic the Chiefs

They say if you can’t beat your enemy, join them. The Raiders won’t ever come close to joining forces with their foes in Missouri, but they are taking a page out of their playbook and might change the course of the franchise’s history by doing so.

As for Mahomes and the Chiefs, it makes sense why they aren’t upset at other teams mirroring their blueprint. At the end of the day, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.

When will Kansas City and Las Vegas play again?

The first matchup between the Chiefs and Raiders in 2026 didn’t disappoint. The two won’t meet again until Week 18 at Arrowhead. If both can maintain their current form until then, it might be a matchup for the AFC West title, and perhaps even more.

If the Raiders run out of gas, however, and Cousins loses his touch, it might set the stage for the first of many Mahomes vs. Mendoza showdowns in the NFL. Either way, fans across the league will be pleased with the outcome.

Key takeaways

• Patrick Mahomes praised the Raiders’ approach with Kirk Cousins and rookie Fernando Mendoza.
• Kansas City is off to a 4–0 start in the 2026 season.
• The division rivals will meet again in Week 18 at Arrowhead Stadium.

Indiana started their title defense with a 52-16 thrashing over North Texas. Hoover was outstanding. The former TCU QB needed just 16 passes to impose his will on the Mean Green.

Hoover completed 13/16 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns. He was throwing dime after dime dismantling the opposing defense. Hoover looked poised and in control the entire time to kick off his College Football campaign in great fashion.

How did Mendoza do in his Hoosiers debut?

While Mendoza’s legacy is a tough one to match, the fact is Hoover started way hotter than Mendoza. When Fernando Mendoza made his first start for Indiana, he recorded 193 passing yards on 58.1% completion. He had a rushing touchdown, though he didn’t record passing TDs or interceptions.

While Indiana still won that game against Old Dominion, Mendoza’s performance was nothing to be wowed at. Meanwhile, Hoover clearly impressed and immediately sent a message that even if Mendoza is gone, Indiana still has an impressive signal-caller.

Context for both debuts are very different

Before Mendoza, Indiana wasn’t exactly a juggernaut. They were a rising contender. For Hoover’s debut, Indiana is the defending champion. Mendoza had to fill in the shoes of 7th-round NFL pick Kurtis Rourke. Hoover replaces Mendoza, a National Champion, Heisman winner, and No.1 overall pick.

Their debuts did show both QBs are very tough and gritty. Mendoza became beloved in Bloomington for playing through punishment. In his debut today, Hoover proved he had that exact same DNA. After a brutal second-quarter facemask penalty left his helmet twisted backward and his face bloodied, Hoover stayed in the game, bleeding onto his jersey while delivering a touchdown to Charlie Becker just three plays later.

“He played really good football. I’m really happy with all three of our quarterbacks. Kirk’s had a really good offseason, very good camp and he’s earned it,” the HC revealed per ESPN‘s Adam Schefter.

Aidan O’Connell is the other quarterback on the Raiders’ depth chart, although he is expected to have fewer opportunities to see the field throughout the season. Ultimately, Cousins’ experience prevailed over the other options as he prepares to lead the team into another campaign.

Cousins brings plenty of NFL experience

Kirk Cousins is officially rolling into his 15th NFL season, continuing one of the most durable and steady under-center runs in modern football. Drafted in 2012 by Washington Redskins as a fourth-round backup to Robert Griffin III, Cousins took over starting duties in 2015 and never looked back, eventually carving out major multi-year chapters with Washington, Minnesota Vikings, and Atlanta Falcons.

While playoff success has been elusive, his biggest claim to fame remains his remarkable consistency and high-level individual efficiency: he’s a 4-time Pro Bowler who surpassed 44,000 career passing yards and nearly 300 passing touchdowns, earning a reputation as one of the ultimate intermediate-to-deep pocket passers and highest-earning players in league history.

A tough start to the season for Las Vegas

The Raiders are looking at a crucial opening stretch to kick off their 2026 campaign. They open up at home at Allegiant Stadium against the Dolphins in Week 1 before hitting the road for back-to-back road tests against the divisional-rival Los Angeles Chargers and a trip to the Superdome to face the New Orleans Saints.

The schedule doesn’t ease up from there, as they head back to Vegas for a massive AFC West showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, followed by a tricky Week 5 trip east to take on the New England Patriots.

“He’s a tireless worker. He loves football. He loves his teammates. He’s energetic on the field. He’s self-critical. He’s self-aware. He’s very accurate,” the General Manager said, via transcript from the team. “His time is coming, but he’s got to earn it every day, and he knows that. I think we’re all very pleased with the person and his work ethic and his commitment to being a great quarterback.”

The arrival of Klint Kubiak as the franchise’s new head coach signals another change in direction. Will the rookie be the right player to lead the team to a successful season, or will they instead have to rely on Kirk Cousins’ experience?

Mendoza’s first steps in the NFL

Taking his first NFL snaps as a pro, Fernando Mendoza got a true trial-by-fire experience during his 2026 preseason with the Raiders. Across the exhibition slate, the rookie completed 25 of 45 passes (55.6%) for 240 yards, 1 touchdown, and 2 interceptions, registering a 59.5 passer rating.

While he showed flashes from a clean pocket, his biggest growing pain was adjusting to NFL pressure and playing on time—taking 4 sacks and suffering 14 hits on 51 drop backs while learning to navigate the pocket against pro defenses.

Will Kubiak turn to Cousins?

The battle for the QB1 job in Las Vegas was fierce and closely contested. Still, Klint Kubiak explained that Kirk Cousins earned the starting role against the Miami Dolphins based on his performance throughout the offseason, which stood out above the rest of the quarterbacks.

The first challenges for Las Vegas

The Raiders are one of the NFL franchises undergoing a rebuilding process, with several new faces looking to help turn things around. Establishing themselves in the AFC West is one of the team’s first objectives, and getting off to a strong start will be crucial to building momentum.

• Week 1, vs Miami Dolphins – September 13
• Week 2, at Los Angeles Chargers – September 20
• Week 3, at New Orleans Saints – September 27
• Week 4, vs Kansas City Chiefs – October 4
• Week 5, at New England Patriots – October 11

During an interview with ESPN, Cignetti told Kevin Clark that Mendoza has “Quick arm, good arm strength, good mobility. Got a body of work out there and he’s going to be a really good pro…if not this year, sometime soon.”

Hence, Cignetti knows destiny is bright for Mendoza. However, there is a key thing in his assessment, which is the speed on his arm. Many QBs have good arm strength, or accuracy. However, not all can unleash a pass quickly while keeping their poise.

Cignetti made a key observation

A few days ago, the world saw Jim Harbaugh in a media campaign to affirm JJ McCarthy as the best rookie quarterback. Two years later, and McCarthy has lost its job altogether. Cignetti, though, was way more cautious.

He said, “if not this year, sometime soon.” This means Cignetti could see Mendoza as a guy that could benefit from sitting behind Kirk Cousins for a year, or at least by a good portion of the season. Is this concerning for Mendoza? Not really, it’s more of a learning curve, after all, Cignetti also said he will be a very good pro.

Cousins’ role is hanging by a thread

While it seems Kirk Cousins is the one starting the season as the Raiders QB1, nothing has been confirmed yet by head coach Klint Kubiak. Also, even if Cousins starts, every mistake will be a huge talking point as Mendoza will be waiting for his chance to shine.

“Jeanty left Sunday’s training camp practice early after suffering an apparent right knee injury,” as reported by ESPN. “As he was being helped off, Jeanty couldn’t put pressure on his right leg. The team did not provide further details on the severity of Jeanty’s injury.“

Expected to be the engine of the team in Sin City, a long-term injury to Jeanty would be catastrophic for the Raiders, let alone a season-ending setback. The organization’s silence surrounding the situation only adds to the suspense, while speculation grows louder that Jeanty may have suffered a severe injury in practice.

Needless to say, losing Jeanty before the 2026 NFL season’s kickoff could derail Las Vegas’ hopes and put rookie quarterback Mendoza in an even more complicated situation. Most likely, the Raiders would have to make a move to bring in a top running back, as the ground-game alternatives are mainly inexperienced talents or simply not at Jeanty’s level.

Las Vegas’ RB depth chart

Rookie running back Mike Washington Jr. out of Arkansas has run away with the job behind Jeanty on Las Vegas’ depth chart. Overnight, he could become the Raiders’ new HB1 if Jeanty indeed misses time with a lower-body injury.

In fact, the rookie took over first-team reps in practice after Jeanty had to leave the session with the assistance of trainers. Still, Las Vegas may want to bring in a more experienced tailback.

In addition to Washington Jr., the Raiders have Dylan Laube, Roman Hemby, and Dare Ogunbowale. Clearly, Jeanty is one of one. Las Vegas has no way of truly replacing him. Not in-house, clearly, but not around the league, either—not with a realistic trade target.

Tough blow to Raiders

If a serious injury is confirmed, it will be heartbreaking in more ways than one. With many expecting a great year from Jeanty, this early adversity rains down on what could be—or perhaps could have been—a historic season for one of the most talented and electric young stars in the NFL.

Injuries happen in the NFL, especially in a sport like football, but when they occur in practice, they leave an even sourer taste in everyone’s mouths.

On one side is Kirk Cousins, a proven veteran who signed a five-year, $172 million contract with Las Vegas. In reality, the deal functions as a one-year, fully guaranteed $20 million commitment with a club option covering two additional seasons at $80 million.

On the other side is Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and the quarterback many around the organization view as the future of the franchise. The expectation was that Cousins could help lead the transition while Mendoza develops at his own pace, but a strong season from the veteran could change those plans entirely.

Who will be Raiders’ starting quarterback in 2026 season?

Klint Kubiak still has not decided who will be the Raiders’ starting quarterback for the 2026 regular season. Following the preseason game against the Houston Texans, Kubiak made it clear that the competition remains open and that neither Cousins nor Mendoza should assume the job is theirs.

It’s a clear message from the head coach trying to keep the intensity. “We got another week. I don’t want anyone to be comfortable in their job. It should always be that way for all positions. So, let’s keep going.”

That is an intriguing stance with the regular season approaching. Cousins has the experience and the massive contract, while Mendoza represents the long-term investment at the most important position on the roster.

Kubiak’s decision to keep the competition alive could also be a sign that the Raiders are genuinely considering both possibilities rather than simply preparing Mendoza for a predetermined succession plan.

What’s Raiders’ QB depth chart?

The Raiders’ quarterback depth chart is expected to feature Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell. There appears to be little doubt that O’Connell has secured his place on the roster after delivering a strong performance in Houston.

His preseason showing gave the Raiders another reason to keep him around as an experienced option behind the top two quarterbacks. The only scenario that could change those plans would be a late trade interest from another team.

As preseason action ramps up, some head coaches send their best to play at least a couple of drives. Per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2, “Texans quarterback CJ Stroud set to play a few series tonight vs. Raiders along with first-team offensive line… Twenty to 25 plays, roughly.”

Hence, Stroud, whose stock in the NFL has plummeted after a very promising rookie year, needs to look at least good to not raise concerns. The Texans have exercised the fifth-year option for Stroud, which would imply a potential extension is coming, however, nothing is set in stone.

Will Fernando Mendoza play for the Raiders vs Texans?

Fernando Mendoza was the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft, but he is behind veteran Kirk Cousins on the depth chart. Hence, the Raiders will deploy their rookie so he can get some added snaps in his resume.

After the joint practice with Houston, Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said Mendoza will get a lot of reps in the game vs Texans. Hence, it’s another opportunity for Mendoza to show his team he can take over if Cousins slips.

Why are Stroud and Mendoza so highly-watched?

Stroud has lots of eyeballs on him because his dip in form after the rookie season has been dramatic. Given that Houston has the best defense in the NFL, the team feels like it’s a quarterback away from contention. However, Stroud’s recent years show that he might not be the QB the Texans can rely on.

As for Mendoza, his College Football career was so great, that it granted him a National Championship and the first overall pick. That alone will put pressure on him. Add the fact that he is on a team desperate for good QB play, and the expectations grow even more.

Mendoza arrives in Las Vegas after an impressive college career with the Indiana Hoosiers, where he established himself as one of the most exciting quarterbacks in the country and helped lead Indiana to a national championship. Now, the former college star faces his first test at the NFL level.

The Raiders are not expected to immediately hand him the starting job. Kirk Cousins remains the veteran favorite to open the regular season as QB1, but Mendoza’s preseason opportunities will be crucial for his development. His first snaps against Arizona will give fans their first look at the quarterback who could become the face of the franchise.

Is Fernando Mendoza playing today for Raiders against Cardinals?

Yes. Fernando Mendoza is expected to play for the Raiders against the Cardinals in the 2026 NFL Preseason Week 1 matchup. The game will give Mendoza his first NFL snaps since being selected No. 1 overall.

While Cousins will be the starting quarterback when the regular season begins, Mendoza should receive an important opportunity to operate the offense and adjust to the speed of professional football.

For the rookie, this is about much more than simply getting preseason reps. The Raiders invested the top pick in the draft on Mendoza because they believe he can eventually become their franchise quarterback. His performance against Arizona will therefore be one of the first major checkpoints in his development.

Who will be the Raiders’ starting QB in the regular season?

Kirk Cousins is expected to begin the 2026 regular season as the Raiders’ starting quarterback. That does not diminish the importance of Mendoza’s preseason debut.

The rookie will have the opportunity to learn from Cousins while gradually taking on more responsibility, giving the Raiders a chance to develop their potential quarterback of the future without rushing him into the starting role. For Raiders fans, however, the most important part is that the wait is over: the No. 1 overall pick is finally getting his first NFL game action.

Cousins joined Las Vegas on a five-year, $172 million contract, a massive commitment that indicates the organization believes the veteran can lead the team in the short term. However, the Raiders also made a major investment in Mendoza, who became the No. 1 overall pick after starring for the Indiana Hoosiers and leading the program to a national championship.

That creates one of the most intriguing quarterback situations in the NFL. Cousins is the established veteran with years of experience, while Mendoza represents the future of the franchise.

Kirk Cousins sends clear message to Fernando Mendoza with Raiders

In an interview with Dan Graziano, Kirk Cousins acknowledged that the Raiders are in a strong situation because they have both an experienced quarterback and a highly touted rookie waiting behind him.

However, he’s not going to pass the torch easily. “I think the organization is positioned well having drafted Fernando. I’m gonna try to hold him off as long as I can, and we’ll see how it goes up ahead.”

The comment is an interesting admission from a veteran who understands that Mendoza was selected with the long-term future of the franchise in mind. Cousins knows the rookie will eventually get an opportunity, but he clearly does not intend to make that transition quickly.

Who will be the Raiders’ starting quarterback?

For now, Kirk Cousins remains the veteran with the clearest path to the starting job. His contract alone demonstrates how seriously Las Vegas view his role, while his experience gives the Raiders a proven option as they build a new era under head coach Klint Kubiak.

Mendoza, however, will have every opportunity to accelerate that timeline. His success at Indiana, where he helped deliver a national championship, created enormous expectations before he even entered the NFL.

The Raiders therefore have a fascinating situation: they can allow Cousins to lead the team while Mendoza develops behind him, or they could eventually turn the offense over to the rookie if he proves he is ready. Cousins’ message is clear. Mendoza may be the future, but the veteran quarterback plans to make him wait as long as he possibly can.

The Raiders finished the 2025 NFL season with the worst record among all 32 teams. That granted the AFC West franchise the #1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which they used to select Indiana national champion quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

However, the Raiders had previously signed Cousins in free agency, setting up an intriguing quarterback dynamic. Heading into camp, Kubiak designated the 15-year veteran as QB1 on the initial depth chart.

“When we go out to practice tomorrow, Kirk Cousins is the starting quarterback,” Kubiak told reporters on Tuesday. “He’s the guy, and he deserves it because he’s played really good football.”

Will Kirk Cousins start Week 1?

While Kirk Cousins will open training camp at the top of the depth chart, that does not mean he has guaranteed the Week 1 starting job when the Raiders host the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium.

Kubiak believes Cousins’ vast veteran experience is crucial for establishing offensive leadership. Standard NFL philosophy often favors starting a seasoned veteran early to absorb pressure and avoid rushing a high-profile rookie before he is fully acclimated.

The head coach emphasized that while Cousins leads off training camp, he wants both Fernando Mendoza and Aidan O’Connell pushing him daily to foster a healthy, competitive quarterback room where everyone earns their reps.

A testing road ahead in 2026

The Raiders kick off their 2026 campaign at home against the Miami Dolphins. While Las Vegas has a strong opportunity to open with a win, the schedule grows significantly tougher from that point forward.

Before their Week 13 bye, the Raiders face seven teams that finished above .500 in 2025—a grueling stretch that includes a matchup against Kubiak’s former team, the reigning Super Bowl champions: the Seattle Seahawks.