New No. 1 in Vegas after Cousins trade
Mendoza will take over as the Raiders' new starting quarterback beginning with Sunday's game versus the Seahawks after Las Vegas traded Kirk Cousins to Minnesota on Tuesday, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
The No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft has opened his professional career on the bench, with his lone action to date coming during a garbage time of a blowout loss to the Patriots in Week 5. However, with the 4-5 Raiders dealing away Cousins for a 2027 third-round pick, the 23-year-old Mendoza will now be thrust into his first extended NFL playing time and will face a pair of tough defenses off the bat, as he'll follow up the matchup against the Seahawks with a road game in Denver in Week 11.
More Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Football News
Kirk Cousins
Returning to Minnesota
The Vikings acquired Cousins from the Raiders on Tuesday in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick, Tom Pelissero of Netflix reports.
Kirk Cousins
Trade target for Vikings
The Vikings have identified Cousins as a "prime trade candidate" ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
Matt Gay
Converts all three kicks in loss
Gay converted his only field-goal attempt and both of his extra-point tries during Las Vegas' loss to the 49ers on Sunday.
Jalen Nailor
Two catches in loss
Nailor caught two of four targets for nine yards during Sunday's 38-17 loss to the 49ers.
Michael Mayer
Three catches in loss
Mayer caught all three of his targets for 37 yards in Sunday's 38-17 loss to the 49ers.
Mike Washington Jr.
Unproductive against Niners
Washington turned six carries into minus-three yards in Sunday's 38-17 loss to the 49ers.
Tre Tucker
Four catches in defeat
Tucker caught four of eight targets for 55 yards during Sunday's 38-17 loss to the 49ers.
Ashton Jeanty
Matches Washington with six carries
Jeanty rushed six times for 25 yards while catching five of seven targets for minus-5 yards in Sunday's 38-17 loss to the 49ers.
Kirk Cousins
Picked off three times in Week 9 loss
Cousins completed 22 of 32 passes for 216 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions in Sunday's 38-17 loss to the 49ers. He also rushed twice for no gain and scored a rushing touchdown.
Brock Bowers
Big numbers in lopsided loss
Bowers caught seven of eight targets for 111 yards and a touchdown in Sunday's 38-17 loss to the 49ers. He also rushed once for two yards and lost a fumble.