With the Las Vegas Raiders trading quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings before the NFL trade deadline, 'Fernandomania' has officially kicked off in the desert. Mendoza, who was the No. 1 draft pick this year, is slated to make his first career start against the reigning Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, November 15, 2026.
Mendoza's only appearance came in his debut, a Week 4 road loss to the New England Patriots on October 11. He finished 6-for-8 passing for 48 yards.
Raiders General Manager John Spytek confirmed on November 10 that Mendoza will be the team's starter moving forward. Reacting to the trade, Kirk Cousins sent a 3-word message, tagging Mendoza in an Instagram Story as he bid farewell to Raider Nation.
"Go get 'em," Cousins wrote. The first two teams Mendoza will face have highly respected, strong defenses.
Seattle's defense, termed the 'Dark Side' for a reason, didn't allow a touchdown last week to the depleted Arizona Cardinals. Next up for the Raiders is a road game against the Denver Broncos in NFL Week 11, followed by the Cleveland Browns.
The transition marks a significant shift for the Raiders franchise, which is looking to rebuild around the young talent of Mendoza. Fans are eager to see if the rookie can handle the pressure of the NFL stage against elite competition.
Analysts suggest that while the road ahead is difficult, the experience gained against top-tier defenses like Seattle and Denver will be invaluable for Mendoza's long-term development as a professional quarterback. The Raiders organization has expressed full confidence in their decision, emphasizing that the move was necessary to secure the future of the team's offensive strategy.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the desert to see if the 'Fernandomania' hype can translate into tangible victories on the field. The NFL community remains divided on the trade, with some praising the Raiders for prioritizing youth and others questioning the departure of a veteran leader like Cousins.
Regardless of the outcome, the upcoming Sunday clash is expected to be one of the most-watched games of the season, serving as a true litmus test for the young quarterback.