FernandoMendoza

News: 12 hours agoMendoza did not see the field during the Raiders' 27-13 win over the Dolphins on Sunday.

Spin: Kirk Cousins was named the Raiders' starter in early September, and the veteran quarterback commanded the offense sufficiently in Sunday's win, completing 21 of 30 targets for 160 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. Mendoza is firmly entrenched as the backup, though the rookie first-overall pick could take over as the Raiders' starter later this season if Cousins' production dips.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mendoza was selected by the Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, Mendoza is a big, pocket quarterback with elite accuracy (his career 7.1% off-target rate is easily the best in this rookie class) and a solid arm. Mendoza's 2025 campaign at Indiana included class-best marks in passing TDs (41) and QBR (90.3). He posted a 65-440-7 rushing line in 16 games last season and figures to add some value with his legs in the pros. Mendoza will get some run as a rookie, but his supporting cast isn't overly impressive and he will not start in Week 1 (Kirk Cousins will get the call), so there's not much sense in drafting him in most formats. He'll be worth a speculative add only when he's named Las Vegas' starter.