Raiders to name Kirk Cousins starting QB for Week 1 over Fernando Mendoza

The Las Vegas Raiders have decided to start Kirk Cousins at quarterback for Week 1 of the 2026 season. This decision comes as Cousins, 38, transitions from a season with the Atlanta Falcons and has outperformed the team's No. 1 overall draft pick, Fernando Mendoza, during the preseason. Despite Mendoza showing potential, he completed 55.6% of his passes with one touchdown and two interceptions while Cousins went 13-of-17 for 101 yards and a touchdown. The decision to start Cousins aligns with first-year coach Klint Kubiak's philosophy of developing young quarterbacks by having them learn from established players.

• 9:56 PMCBS NFL — Raiders expected to name Kirk Cousins Week 1 starter over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza