NFL: Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders
Oct 18, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) throws the football during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Trim-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
The Las Vegas Raiders are 3-4-0 so far this season. They started the season 3-0, and the vibes were feeling optimistic. Well, things change quickly in the NFL.
The Raiders have now lost four games in a row and got crushed by the Los Angeles Raiders in Week 8. Vegas drafted Fernando Mendoza with the first overall pick in 2026 NFL Draft. He’s in position to sit and learn from Kirk Cousins. Cousins started the season off well, but the losses and poor play are piling up. NFL fans are wondering when they’ll see Mendoza.
Is there a QB controversy in Vegas?
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Who is the Raiders’ starting quarterback?
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders Minicamp
Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak (left) and quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Head coach Klint Kubiak shut down any rumors of a potential QB controversy. He was meeting with reporters and had this to say about who’s their QB 1:
“I want to let you guys know that Kirk is our starting quarterback. There is no controversy there. He’s playing at a very high level, and he’s got to continue to do that for us to win. We’ve got to keep helping, you know, all the areas around him.So I’m excited for him to go play here against the Jets,”
#Raiders HC Klint Kubiak shuts down talk of any quarterback controversy
“Kirk is our starting quarterback. There is no controversy there.” pic.twitter.com/JzPwIiddNv
— Jesse Merrick – Silver & Black Sports Network (@JesseSBSN) October 26, 2026
Cousins has played fairly well for the Raiders but has been facing constant pressure. He has been sacked five times in the last three games. #8 will be trotting out there to face off with the New York Jets in Week 8.
MORE:
When will Fernando Mendoza start?
NFL: Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers
Sep 20, 2026; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) warms up prior to the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Many Raiders fans want to see Fernando Mendoza under center in Vegas, but they’ll have to wait. The Raiders want the former Hoosier to learn as much as possible from Cousins. They don’t want to put him out there with a bad o-line or consistently play losing football.
No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza checks in for the first time in his career.
(📺 CBS) pic.twitter.com/HIFKXu1gvw
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 11, 2026
They hope to follow the Patrick Mahomes–Kansas City Chiefs plan and take it slow with the 23-year-old. Mendoza got some garbage-time snaps against the New England Patriots when the Raiders got crushed 45-17 in Week 5. He was 6-of-8 for 48 yards.