​The Las Vegas Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall in the 2026 NFL draft because they needed a face-of-the-franchise talent at the position. Looking around the AFC West, the Raiders desperately need a high-level quarterback to compete. Heading into the 2026 NFL season, we’ve ranked all four starting quarterbacks in the division from best to worst.Despite a disappointing 2025 campaign and season-ending injury, Patrick Mahomes remains the cream of the quarterback crop in the entire league until proven otherwise. Mahomes has dominated the AFC West since his ascension. He sets the standard in the division for quarterback play.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJustin Herbert has been occasionally scrutinized for arguably failing to meet the full expectations of his potential. This year, he’ll get the brilliant Mike McDaniel as his offensive coordinator. That’ll come with additional expectations. It’s a big season for Herbert.There’s often debate whether or not Bo Nix or Sean Payton deserve credit for the Denver Broncos’ success on offense. Even if Nix is a system quarterback, he’s executed Payton’s scheme at a high level. He made the Broncos legitimate Super Bowl contenders last season.The Raiders have the right dynamic in the quarterback room with the veteran Kirk Cousins and rookie Mendoza. They possess every trait needed to climb these rankings next offseason. Mendoza has the talent required to establish himself as the Raiders’ franchise quarterback, but he’ll have to prove himself before ranking ahead of Nix, Herbert, or Mahomes.This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Ranking all four QBs in the AFC West 1-4: Where do Raiders fall?