In the Spotlight: Las Vegas Raiders Begin Fernando Mendoza Era
The Las Vegas Raiders enter the 2026 NFL season with another rebuilding effort underway, but this one comes with a potential franchise quarterback at the center of the plan. After finishing 3-14 in 2025, Las Vegas used the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
Mendoza arrives after leading Indiana to a 16-0 season and national championship while winning the Heisman Trophy. He completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and only six interceptions in 2025. New head coach Klint Kubiak now gets the opportunity to build an offense around the rookie.
What to Watch
Mendoza’s transition to the NFL will dominate the season. The 6-foot-5 quarterback gives Las Vegas a long-term option at a position that has lacked stability for years. How quickly he adjusts could determine whether the Raiders can significantly improve on three victories.
Running back Ashton Jeanty remains another centerpiece after his rookie season, while tight end Brock Bowers gives Mendoza one of the NFL’s premier young receiving targets. Maxx Crosby continues to anchor the defense.
The schedule won’t make the rebuild easy. Nine of Las Vegas’ 17 opponents made the NFL playoffs in 2025, and the Raiders face the league’s seventh-toughest schedule based on last season’s opponent winning percentage.
Betting Outlook
Sportsbooks expect some improvement but remain skeptical about a playoff run. DraftKings had the Raiders’ win total at 5.5 in July, with the Over priced at -146 and Under at +120. Las Vegas was +600 to make the playoffs and -900 to miss them.
The Raiders remain major long shots in a difficult AFC West. They were +2000 to win the division, +7600 to win the AFC and +15000 to win the Super Bowl. Interestingly, the market has become more optimistic: the Over on 5.5 wins moved from +115 in February to -146 by July.
Key Team Details
2025 record: 3-14
Key players to watch: Fernando Mendoza, Ashton Jeanty, Brock Bowers, Maxx Crosby
Expected starting QB: Fernando Mendoza
Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Fernando Mendoza headlines a reworked roster under new head coach Klint Kubiak, with the Raiders focusing their offseason on building around a young offensive core.
Betting odds to win AFC West: +2000
Betting odds to win AFC Championship: +7600
Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +15000
Win totals over/under: 5.5 wins — Over -146; Under +120
2026-27 Las Vegas Raiders Schedule
Las Vegas opens at home against Miami before playing consecutive road games against the Chargers and Saints. The Raiders have a Week 13 bye and face four sets of consecutive road games during the season.
| Week | Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sept. 13 | Miami Dolphins | Home |
| 2 | Sept. 20 | Los Angeles Chargers | Away |
| 3 | Sept. 27 | New Orleans Saints | Away |
| 4 | Oct. 4 | Kansas City Chiefs | Home |
| 5 | Oct. 11 | New England Patriots | Away |
| 6 | Oct. 18 | Buffalo Bills | Home |
| 7 | Oct. 25 | Los Angeles Rams | Home |
| 8 | Nov. 1 | New York Jets | Away |
| 9 | Nov. 8 | San Francisco 49ers | Away |
| 10 | Nov. 15 | Seattle Seahawks | Home |
| 11 | Nov. 22 | Denver Broncos | Away |
| 12 | Nov. 29 | Cleveland Browns | Away |
| 13 | — | BYE | — |
| 14 | Dec. 13 | Los Angeles Chargers | Home |
| 15 | Dec. 20 | Denver Broncos | Home |
| 16 | Dec. 27 | Tennessee Titans | Home |
| 17 | Jan. 3 | Arizona Cardinals | Away |
| 18 | TBD | Kansas City Chiefs | Away |
Now an experienced iGaming and sports betting writer and editor, Alex has been a keen casino player and sports bettor for many years, having dabbled in both for personal entertainment. He regularly plays slots, and places bets on his favourite sports, including football and NFL as a preference; he’s a big fan of Chelsea and the New York Giants for all his sins.
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