It makes sense that the Raiders’ offensive future would eventually revolve around Fernando Mendoza, the top pick from the 2026 NFL Draft and a Heisman Trophy winner. But the real question is: when will he actually take the field—right at the start of the season, or maybe later?
Kirk Cousins, the seasoned veteran, is there as a backup plan if the Raiders feel that Mendoza needs more time to get up to speed.
If Cousins can regain his earlier form from before his Achilles injury, he could provide a competitive edge for the Raiders this season. However, that’s quite a leap considering how he performed over the past two seasons in Atlanta. And if Mendoza plays this year, he will undoubtedly face a steep learning curve, which might put the Raiders in a challenging position at quarterback through 2026.
Here’s a rundown of the quarterbacks the Raiders will be facing this season and where the potential advantages lie.
1. Matthew Stafford, Rams, Week 7
Stafford is coming off an impressive MVP season and appears to be going strong. With a new contract extension from the Rams, he’s likely to be a challenging opponent for at least the next couple of years.
Adding to his advantage is the solid protection he receives, a well-structured offensive system under Sean McVay, and access to top-notch receivers and effective tight ends. Plus, the Rams have a strong running game.
corner: Rams
2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs, Weeks 4 and 18
It will be intriguing to see how Mahomes performs in both Week 4 and Week 18 after his significant knee injury last season. The Chiefs will likely err on the side of caution as he returns, but as long as he’s on the field, he’s among the elite quarterbacks. If he can get back to full strength and the Chiefs address their offensive weaknesses, he won’t be out of the top tier for long.
corner: Chiefs
3. Josh Allen, Bills, Week 6
It’s hard to believe that Allen had a rough playoff showing, committing four turnovers in a loss to the Broncos. Following that, coach Sean McDermott was let go and Joe Brady took over. The combination of Brady and Allen could be promising, especially since Brady probably knows how to maximize Allen’s talents. It seems likely that Allen is geared up to make a comeback after the rocky end to his last season.
corner: Bills
4. Justin Herbert, Chargers, Weeks 2 and 14
Herbert, like Allen, now has a new offensive mind guiding him—Mike McDaniel, formerly of the Dolphins. McDaniel has plans to enhance Herbert’s performance further. Despite Herbert’s many achievements, winning playoff games has eluded him, which seems a bit shocking given his talent.
corner: Chargers
5. Brock Purdy, 49ers, Week 9
Whether Purdy is merely a product of Kyle Shanahan’s system is up for debate, but it’s a risky opinion to hold. Shanahan has seen other quarterbacks underperform in ways that Purdy has not. When he’s at his best, he contributes significantly to the 49ers’ success, and he has shown the potential to lead them deep into the playoffs.
corner: 49ers
6. Sam Darnold, Seahawks, Week 10
Darnold’s turnaround in his career is the kind of story you could make a movie about. After being seen as a major draft bust with two teams, he’s transformed into a capable quarterback and a Super Bowl champion.
corner: Seahawks
7. Drake Maye, Patriots, Week 5
Maye had a standout regular season, though he struggled in the playoffs. It’s uncertain how he’ll develop moving forward, especially with the pressure of playing in such a big market and context.
corner: Patriots
8. Bo Nix, Broncos, Weeks 11 and 15
With a coaching change, perhaps we’ll see a more open game plan tailored for Nix. Some might wonder why the previous approach was so conservative—perhaps we’ll find out soon enough.
corner: Broncos
9. Cam Ward, Titans, Week 16
Ward has the potential but faces hurdles that have kept him from becoming a top draft pick. Factors like coaching and a lack of support haven’t helped him. He might advance, but it’s uncertain how that will unfold.
corner: Titans
10. Tyler Shaw, Saints, Week 3
Shaw had a decent rookie season, but now he needs to continue developing while preparing for the inevitable defenses that the NFL will throw at him. If Cousins is still in the lineup by Week 3, it would mean the coaching staff is confident in his ability. If Mendoza steps in, however, it could be a sign that they believe he’s ready to shine.
corner: Raiders
11. Geno Smith, Jets, Week 8
Smith’s decline during one year with the Raiders still surprises many. It wasn’t entirely his fault, but it didn’t look good. The Jets seemed desperate enough to bring him back, but it appears they are still searching for a reliable option heading into the 2027 draft.
corner: Raiders
12. Malik Willis, Dolphins, Week 1
Willis is intriguing, having shown promise with a high completion rate, although his actual playing time has been limited. Now he heads to South Beach, where the support may not be as strong as it was in Green Bay. He’s certainly a player to watch.
corner: Raiders
13. Shedua Sanders, Browns, Week 12
Placing Sanders on this list feels tentative. The Browns have a big question mark at quarterback, with multiple potential candidates including Watson, Sanders, and rookies. It wouldn’t be surprising if they draft a quarterback yet again next year.
corner: Raiders
14. Jacoby Brissett, Cardinals, Week 17
Once more, another team lacking a definitive starting quarterback. Brissett’s future with the Cardinals is uncertain, and there are murmurs about other names being considered as well. The search continues.
corner: Raiders
