Fernando Mendoza starts for Raiders after trade of Kirk Cousins
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 10, 2026, 10:11 PM
Last updated Nov 10, 2026
Fernando Mendoza, the No. 1 pick in April's draft, will make his first start for the 4-5 Raiders against the Seahawks on Sunday. Mendoza takes the reigns after the Raiders traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota. Historical precedents suggest mixed outcomes for rookie quarterbacks, as Mendoza follows the trajectories of Jared Goff and Lamar Jackson in similar situations. The Raiders currently rank fifth in passing yards but face tough challenges ahead, starting with a matchup against Seattle's defense.
- •Mendoza inherits a 4-5 record after Cousins trade.
- •Raiders face Seahawks this Sunday.
- •Historical rookie QBs show varied first-start results.
- •Raiders pass offense ranks fifth in yards per game.
- •Upcoming games include tough defenses like Denver and Cleveland.
- 10:11 PMCBS Sports — Fernando Mendoza inherits a 4-5 Raiders team and NFL history offers two wildly different outcomes
"Jared Goff lost all seven rookie starts, Lamar Jackson went 6-1 and made the playoffs. Now Mendoza faces the same challenge.
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