Kirk Cousins Named Raiders Starting QB, Not Mendoza

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak named veteran Kirk Cousins the starting quarterback, keeping No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza on the bench to open the season. Cousins struggled in three preseason outings, completing 13 of 17 passes for just 101 yards. Mendoza saw far more preseason action, throwing for 250 yards but managing only one touchdown to two interceptions. For sportsbooks, the decision shapes early Raiders win totals and rookie quarterback futures. It also raises the question of how long Cousins' leash will run.

Kubiak Cites Experience in Cousins' Week 1 Nod

Kubiak said experience tipped the decision in Cousins' favor. The 38-year-old enters his 15th NFL season. He has started ten Week 1 games before this year. Kubiak called it a case where Cousins simply "earned" the job through camp. Cousins played sparingly in the preseason, running just three drives across three exhibitions. He completed 13 of 17 attempts for 101 yards in that limited work.

Oddsmakers had widely expected Cousins to open as starter. The announcement is unlikely to shift Raiders season win-total lines much. It does lock in his status as QB1 for early passing-yard and touchdown props.

Mendoza's Mixed Preseason and No Timeline for a Switch

Mendoza, the Heisman winner out of Indiana, played extensively across three preseason games. He completed 26 of 46 passes for 250 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. His debut against Arizona was his strongest outing, with 97 yards and a score on 10-of-16 passing. Mendoza described Cousins' game as "ruthlessly efficient" and said that's the standard he wants to bring to his own play.

Kubiak has not set any timeline for a possible switch under center. Mendoza is expected to keep taking backup reps in practice each week. His development will be watched closely by the coaching staff and oddsmakers tracking futures markets.

What Cousins' Leash Means for Raiders Betting Odds

Cousins is expected to get a lengthy leash to begin the year.

Any Las Vegas Raiders slide in the win column could speed up a change at quarterback.

That kind of shift would move futures markets quickly. Mendoza remains a live option for in-season Rookie of the Year futures. He could also factor into Comeback Player markets if Cousins struggles or gets hurt.

Local sportsbooks are likely to keep Mendoza-specific props limited until he sees real regular-season snaps. Fans tracking Raiders lines should watch Cousins' completion rate and turnovers closely. The first month of the season should offer early signs of any coming change.