FernandoMendoza

News: 4 days agoMendoza did not play a single snap during the Raiders' 26-14 win over the Chargers on Sunday.

Spin: As expected, Mendoza observed Sunday's win from the sidelines as Kirk Cousins led the offense, with the veteran quarterback competing 19 of 29 passes for 253 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Cousins has led the Raiders to a 2-0 start and should remain as the starter moving forward, but Mendoza could take over under center if the team's winning ways don't last.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Mendoza was selected by the Raiders with the No. 1 overall pick in April's draft. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, Mendoza is a big, pocket quarterback with elite accuracy (his career 7.1% off-target rate is easily the best in this rookie class) and a solid arm. Mendoza's 2025 campaign at Indiana included class-best marks in passing TDs (41) and QBR (90.3). He posted a 65-440-7 rushing line in 16 games last season and figures to add some value with his legs in the pros. Mendoza will get some run as a rookie, but his supporting cast isn't overly impressive and he will not start in Week 1 (Kirk Cousins will get the call), so there's not much sense in drafting him in most formats. He'll be worth a speculative add only when he's named Las Vegas' starter.