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Raiders Choose Kirk Cousins Over Rookie Mendoza for Opener

5/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders will name their starter for the September 13 opener against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium, favoring veteran Kirk Cousins over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
FanDuel lists Cousins at -200 to start and Mendoza at +168.
Odds that any other quarterback will start in Week 1 are 20-1.
Management says they prefer a rookie to sit for the first game.

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Story summary

The Las Vegas Raiders will name their starter for the September 13 opener against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium, favoring veteran Kirk Cousins over No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza.
FanDuel lists Cousins at -200 to start and Mendoza at +168.
Odds that any other quarterback will start in Week 1 are 20-1.
Management says they prefer a rookie to sit for the first game.