​Aug 13, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) throws a pass during a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Brytus-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Despite some rumblings that the Las Vegas Raiders were on the verge of giving top overall pick Fernando Mendoza his first career start in the team’s Week 8 games against the New York Jets, the team has decided to stick with veteran Kirk Cousins at quarterback.”Fernando [Mendoza] is gonna play at some point, it’s not gonna be this week.”Raiders HC Klint Kubiak names Kirk Cousins the starting QB vs. the Jets. pic.twitter.com/38npWXO5PH— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) October 26, 2026The Raiders have lost four consecutive games after a 3-0 start to their season. A losing streak sometimes leads to the insertion of a high drafted rookie, but that time has not yet come for the Raiders.It’s difficult to say whether this is a good thing or a bad thing for the Jets. Making his first start, Mendoza might be prone to making more mistakes, but his upside could potentially give the Las Vegas offense a higher ceiling.Mendoza, of course, was on the radars of Jets fans a year ago as the team struggled to a 3-14 finish. They lost the top pick in the Draft to the Raiders on a tiebreaker.