# Ahead of Fernando Mendoza's first start, the Raiders believe their rookie will thrive

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4 outlets covering · First listed: The Athletic, Nov 13, 2026, 7:00 AM · Read it: <https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7778000/2026/11/13/fernando-mendoza-raiders-preparation-first-start/>

After trading Kirk Cousins on Tuesday, Las Vegas plans on staying in the playoff hunt with Mendoza behind center.

## Who's covering it

In the order they published:

- Nov 12, 2026, 6:00 AM: [Fernando Mendoza: Starting is a "new step," but it's not a whirlwind](<https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/fernando-mendoza-starting-is-a-new-step-but-its-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 13, 2026, 1:03 AM: [Raiders believe Fernando Mendoza is ‘more than ready’ to step into QB1 role](<https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/raiders-believe-fernando-mendoza-more-070355631.html>) — Yahoo Sports (Sports, United States)
  Fernando Mendoza stayed patient as he waited for his turn to take the reins of the Las Vegas Raiders . Now, the moment has arrived. Mendoza will make his first start for the Raiders on Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks, and everyone will be curious to see if he can withstand the pressure. What better test than throwing him into the fire against
- Nov 13, 2026, 5:00 AM: [3 Things Fernando Mendoza Can't Control in First Raiders Start](<https://www.si.com/nfl/raiders/onsi/las-vegas-3-things-fernando-mendoza-control-first-start>) — Sports Illustrated (Sports, United States)
  The Las Vegas Raiders will turn to No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to lead them through the rest of the season. There is only so much the rookie can do in his first start.
- Nov 13, 2026, 7:00 AM: [Ahead of Fernando Mendoza's first start, the Raiders believe their rookie will thrive](<https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7778000/2026/11/13/fernando-mendoza-raiders-preparation-first-start/>) — The Athletic (Sports, United States)
  After trading Kirk Cousins on Tuesday, Las Vegas plans on staying in the playoff hunt with Mendoza behind center.