Fernando Mendoza, the Las Vegas Raiders' No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft and 2025 Heisman winner, enters the regular season as backup to Kirk Cousins. Through Week 5, Mendoza has seen only mop-up duty in one game, completing 6 of 8 passes for 48 yards with zero touchdowns. Cousins has started all contests, posting a 3-2 record while tying for the league lead in passing touchdowns early on, and the coaching staff has reiterated plans to keep the veteran under center. Mendoza's total will hinge on any potential midseason transition, his efficiency in limited opportunities, the Raiders' offensive pace, and injury or performance developments at the position.