Mendoza Takes the Field for the Raiders: A Test Against the Seahawks

Fernando Mendoza was selected first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. This Sunday he will start at quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in his first regular-season game, replacing Kirk Cousins. Cousins was sent to the Minnesota Vikings in a trade in the final days before the deadline.

The Heisman Trophy winner Mendoza spent the summer and the first half of the season working alongside the veteran Cousins. His opponent will be the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Sky Sports NFL commentator Phoebe Schecter said the Seahawks defense is still very strong despite suffering a few defeats.

Schecter noted that the defense, which includes Nick Emmanwori, will be a tough test for a young quarterback. In her view, Mendoza will need a lot of help in his first game, and the matchup will be a "trial by fire."

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak was the offensive coordinator for the team that won the Super Bowl in February with Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kenneth Walker. Kubiak said he expects Mendoza to be the leader of the team on Sunday, to run the offense and to direct the team on the field.