Best Chances for Fernando Mendoza's Raiders Debut

One of the biggest talking points of the Las Vegas Raiders' offseason has been the expected debut of No. 1 overall quarterback Fernando Mendoza.

The top pick in this year's draft class is expected to be the team's future franchise quarterback, but ownership and the front office do not want to rush him before he's ready and ruin his career before it begins.

The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins to handle short-term starting duties, but it is expected he'll eventually pass those off to Mendoza once the Heisman Trophy winner is ready. When might that be?

Let's break down the three best opportunities Mendoza has to step into the starting role.

Week 1 vs. Miami Dolphins

The Chargers will have one of the better defenses in the NFL next season, but if the Raiders want to pivot from Cousins and go with Mendoza after the bye week, this would be a good opportunity for the rookie to face an elite unit.

Los Angeles gets a new defensive coordinator, as Chris O'Leary comes from the college ranks after leading a very good Western Michigan defense. He previously worked with Jim Harbaugh in 2024 as the team's safeties coach, so he is now being promoted.

Mendoza would see excellent defenders like All-Pro safety Derwin James and underrated pass rusher Tuli Tuipulotu, so he would have his work cut out for him. However, if he wants to last in the NFL, he'll have to face tough defenses, so this would be a good test for him.

Week 16 vs. Tennessee Titans

Another defense expected to take another step this season, the Titans would be another solid test for Mendoza.

They might not have too many household names on that side of the ball outside of superstar defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, but they're no slouches, especially with Robert Saleh coaching them up. The Titans may still struggle to be a playoff team, but they'll at least compete hard.

If the Raiders wanted to give Mendoza only a few games of experience before handing him the keys in 2027, starting with the Titans wouldn't be a bad idea. They're a tough defense that would try to give him fits.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/raiders/onsi as Best Chances for Fernando Mendoza's Raiders Debut.

Copyright ABG-SI LLC. SPORTS ILLUSTRATED is a registered trademark of ABG-SI LLC. All Rights Reserved.

This story was originally published June 16, 2026 at 4:00 AM.