Raiders to Start Cousins Over Top Pick Mendoza in Week 1

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak is expected to name Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback for Week 1, with rookie Fernando Mendoza serving as backup. Cousins signed a one-year, $20 million deal in April, and Mendoza was the No. 1 overall pick. Kubiak had said the competition would play out during preseason, but ultimately chose the veteran's experience.

EXPANDED:

Cousins' path to this starting role mirrors his Atlanta experience, where the Falcons drafted Michael Penix Jr. shortly after signing him in 2024. He lost that job midseason due to injury struggles but returned to start eight games in 2025, completing 61.7 percent of his passes with 10 touchdowns and five interceptions. Unlike that situation, Cousins arrived in Las Vegas knowing a top pick would challenge him.

Mendoza impressed during preseason, becoming the first No. 1 overall pick