The Las Vegas Raiders surprisingly began the season 3-0, but after four straight losses, the season is headed in the wrong direction. Therefore, it could be Fernando Mendoza's time coming up.
The Raiders started Kirk Cousins at quarterback over their No. 1 pick, believing that Mendoza would benefit from watching and learning to begin his career. When the Raiders were winning games, Las Vegas was able to keep Mendoza on the bench, but now that the losses are piling up, the team may need to make a quarterback change.
Las Vegas' latest loss was a 35-21 home loss to the reeling Los Angeles Rams, prompting some fans and analysts to wonder if Mendoza should start over Kirk Cousins moving forward. Head coach Klint Kubiak didn't quell those suspicions with his comments after the game.
Here's what Kubiak said about his quarterback situation.
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Klint Kubiak's comments on Raiders starting QB
After the Raiders' loss to the Rams on Sunday, the media asked Klint Kubiak whether he would consider a quarterback change. Kubiak didn't immediately commit to Kirk Cousins, which could be a sign that Mendoza could start sooner than later.
"We have to go watch the film," Kubiak said, via ESPN. "I think at this point, we're thinking about everything to fix our problems, how to fix our issues in the red zone, in the third quarter, personnel [and] scheme. We've got to talk about all of it."
The Raiders started the season 3-0 but are now on a four-game losing streak and in danger of seeing their season slip away, especially with a daunting schedule on tap. Las Vegas made Cousins the starter so as not to rush Mendoza into games, but with the season beginning to unravel, the team may now look to their rookie quarterback.
To Cousins' credit, he wouldn't push back if the team decides that Mendoza gives the team a better chance to win games.
"I want the football team to have the best chance to win games," he said. "If the first OTA, if that had become apparent, I would've been the first one to say, 'Yeah, you can't play me.' Nothing changes, and the organization will do what they feel is best."
Raiders QB Kirk Cousins on eventually ceding his position as starter to Fernando Mendoza, following the team’s 4th straight loss. 🎥: By @Sean_Zittel https://t.co/SS0xYItSIg
— Vegas Sports Today (@VegasSportsTD) October 26, 2026MORE: Seahawks give Patrick Mahomes his worst career loss
When will Fernando Mendoza start for Raiders?
While the Raiders could be looking for a time to give Fernando Mendoza his first career start, the Raiders' next five games are very tricky. After staying home in three of the last four games, the Raiders will go on the road four times in the next five weeks and are set to play four winning teams before their bye week in Week 13.
The easiest game on the schedule comes this week, when Las Vegas plays the Jets in New Jersey. Additionally, the Raiders' only home game in this stretch is against the defending-champion Seattle Seahawks and their ferocious defense.
Here's a look at the Raiders' next five games:
| Date | Opponent |
| 11/1 | @ Jets |
| 11/8 | @ 49ers |
| 11/15 | vs. Seahawks |
| 11/22 | @ Broncos |
| 11/29 | @ Browns |
The Raiders have to make a decision about how they want Mendoza to begin his career and if they're ok with him facing top-tier defenses early on. If they want to give Mendoza an easy landing spot, then the No. 1 overall pick could get his first start in Week 8.
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