Fernando Mendoza expected to start first half against Texans

Fernando Mendoza, QB for the Las Vegas Raiders and the No. 1 overall pick, is expected to play roughly the first half of tonight's preseason game against the Texans, with Aidan O'Connell taking over in the second half.

This starting assignment reflects head coach Klint Kubiak's confidence in the rookie. Mendoza recently handled his first NFL joint practice with Houston's starting defense and impressed the coaching staff. Kubiak deliberately put him in that spot to see what he could do against legitimate competition, and came away pleased.

Mendoza already has preseason tape from Las Vegas's game against Arizona, where he completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards with a touchdown and no interceptions, adding two carries for six yards.

Mendoza won the Heisman Trophy and a national championship before being selected first overall in April's draft.

Fantasy outlook

For redraft managers, Mendoza is unlikely to move the needle right away. But dynasty managers should be tracking his progression closely. First-team reps in joint practices, a starting role in a live preseason game, a coaching staff that is openly developing him, and the No. 1 overall pedigree all point to a high-upside situation in Las Vegas. Tonight's performance will clarify how quickly the Raiders plan to hand him the offense.