Fernando Mendoza in line to make first start vs. Seahawks on Sunday

Published November 10, 2026 03:04 PM So you want to be a quarterback in the NFL. How about making your first start against the defending champions with a famously good defense? That’s the situation No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza is facing for Week 10 after the Raiders agreed to trade Kirk Cousins to the Vikings for a third-round pick on Tuesday. Having served as the backup, Mendoza is now in line to make his first start against the Seahawks on Sunday. At least the game will be in Las Vegas. Though the Seahawks are currently 5-4, the team’s defense still ranks No. 4 in points allowed and No. 1 in yards allowed. The unit has allowed just 139 first downs, which ranks atop the league. And Seattle sports the league’s No. 1 pass defense.Mendoza has made just one appearance so far as a rookie, entering the Oct. 11 loss to the Patriots once the game had gotten out of hand. He completed 6-of-8 passes for 48 yards in the contest.The Raiders also have Aidan O’Connell on their 53-man roster at quarterback. They may be inclined to add another QB, as the club currently doesn’t have one on the practice squad.