NFL · RAIDERS

FERNANDO MENDOZA’S FIRST NFL START

What to know before the No. 1 pick takes over the Raiders.

THE MOMENT

NAMED QB1 ON DEADLINE DAY

Las Vegas made Mendoza its starter on Nov. 10, right after trading Kirk Cousins to Minnesota.

THE DEBUT

SUNDAY VS. THE SEAHAWKS

His first career start comes at Allegiant Stadium against the defending Super Bowl champions.

THE RÉSUMÉ

HEISMAN AND A NATIONAL TITLE

At Indiana he threw for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns and led the Hoosiers to their first national championship.

NFL SO FAR

6 OF 8 FOR 48 YARDS

His only regular-season action came late in a Week 5 loss to the New England Patriots.

THE COACH’S TAKE

HE “EXCEEDED” EXPECTATIONS

Klint Kubiak pointed to better accuracy, command of the offense and sharper two-minute work in practice.

TOUGH STRETCH

SEATTLE, DENVER, CLEVELAND

All three entered Week 10 among the NFL’s top 13 scoring defenses. The Raiders’ Week 13 bye comes after.

HISTORY CHECK

SEATTLE IS 3-0 IN THESE SPOTS

The Seahawks have won all three games against first-round QBs making their first NFL start.

THE STAKES

RAIDERS ARE 4-5

Las Vegas picked real snaps for its rookie over a veteran stopgap. Aidan O’Connell is the backup.