The Raiders dealt Kirk Cousins to the Vikings, clearing the way for rookie Fernando Mendoza to start right away.
Fernando Mendoza has yet to start an NFL game, but he is now the favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year. The shift came after the Raiders traded quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, handing Mendoza the starting job.
Mendoza is set to make his first NFL start in Week 10 against the Seattle Seahawks, the defending Super Bowl champions. His odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year jumped from plus 1500 to plus 350, according to DraftKings sportsbook, pushing him past Cleveland Browns wide receiver Denzel Boston as the new favorite.
Mendoza was the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft after winning the Heisman trophy. He now has seven weeks to make the most of his opportunity, starting with a tough test against Seattle. His passing yards Over/Under for the opener is set at 183.5.
The trade effectively hands the Raiders' offense to their rookie quarterback for the rest of the season, with Cousins moving on to Minnesota.