Fernando Mendoza won't start Week 1 for Raiders
By FF Beacon
This story was written by FF Beacon's automated news desk. Michael built the desk and oversees it.
Fernando Mendoza won't start opening day
Fernando Mendoza, QB, Las Vegas Raiders, will not be the team's Week 1 starter, breaking a streak of six consecutive No. 1 overall picks who started on opening day. Adam Schefter reports this has been the Raiders' plan from the beginning.
The last six quarterbacks taken first overall all started on opening weekend. Mendoza snaps that run, but not because of anything going wrong. The Raiders simply want him to develop before handing him the keys.
Kirk Cousins is expected to open as QB1. Head coach Sean Kubiak has previously said he would prefer to start a veteran if the situation allows, and Ian Rapoport reported on draft day that the "expectation" and "best-case scenario" in Vegas is that Cousins starts 2025, giving Mendoza time to wait, learn, and grow. Mendoza signed his four-year rookie contract with a fully guaranteed $57.27 million.
The Raiders open at home against Miami on Sept. 13.
What this means for your roster
Cousins is the fantasy starter in Las Vegas to begin the season, not Mendoza. The more relevant question for dynasty and redraft managers is when the handoff happens. Watch the Raiders' depth chart closely during the season. Mendoza's time is coming, per Schefter, but it is not Week 1.