Fernando Mendoza's First Start: Seahawks vs. Raiders Live Updates, Highlights and Stats

Kirk Cousins' time as the starter ended this week, opening the door for rookie Fernando Mendoza to make his first NFL start.

Mendoza was the first overall pick in this past April's NFL Draft. He began his career at the University of California, home of future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Also, Jared Goff made his name as a top draft pick at Cal.

Mendoza took a different path and transferred to Indiana ahead of the 2025 college football season. He helped engineer the Hoosiers to an undefeated season and a National Championship. Also, Mendoza won the Heisman.

He brings a tough competitor inside and outside the pocket. Mendoza has a good arm and the accuracy to place the ball in advantageous spots for his receivers. He has two talented young running backs to lean on, and an elite tight end, Brock Bowers.

He wasn't the "typical" first-overall quarterback pick from an elite physical-traits standpoint, but Mendoza has the goods!

The Seahawks will be without four combined starters on both offense and defense. Losing its starting left tackle and newly acquired left guard will be hard to overcome.

Here is the list of Raiders players who will miss today's game.