# Fernando Mendoza enters Rookie of the Year conversation before 1st Raiders start > HelixNews · Web page: https://helixnews.one/story/2545863 · All pages for agents: https://helixnews.one/llms.txt 5 outlets covering · First listed: Yahoo Sports, Nov 12, 2026, 4:23 PM · Read it: Right after Fernando Mendoza was named Raiders starter, and before the top pick QB has made his first NFL start, the Rookie of the Year talk has begun. ## Who's covering it In the order they published: - Nov 11, 2026, 7:39 AM: [How Fernando Mendoza changes the Raiders offense ahead of his first NFL start]() — The Athletic (Sports, United States) With Kirk Cousins traded on Tuesday, the rookie is set to start against the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday. - Nov 11, 2026, 7:57 AM: [Fernando Mendoza new favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year ahead of his first NFL start]() — CBS Sports (Sports, United States) A wide-open race puts the No. 1 overall pick atop the odds board before his first career start, though a brutal schedule against top defenses looms - Nov 12, 2026, 6:00 AM: [Fernando Mendoza: Starting is a "new step," but it's not a whirlwind]() — ProFootballTalk (Sports, United States) Everyone knew that it was only a matter of time before Fernando Mendoza became the Raiders' starting quarterback, but the first overall pick in this year's draft said on Wednesday that he was taken by surprise when he learned the time had come. - Nov 12, 2026, 2:00 PM: [How the Seahawks' Gives Raiders' Fernando Mendoza a Rough First Start]() — Sports Illustrated (Sports, United States) The Seattle Seahawks are coming into Week 10 versus the Las Vegas Raiders, who is starting rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza and could be in a rough performance. - Nov 12, 2026, 4:23 PM: [Fernando Mendoza enters Rookie of the Year conversation before 1st Raiders start]() — Yahoo Sports (Sports, United States) Right after Fernando Mendoza was named Raiders starter, and before the top pick QB has made his first NFL start, the Rookie of the Year talk has begun.