The New York Jets are nearing their Week 8 matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
We know where the Jets land in power rankings ahead of their next game. Now, how about where NFL analysts across the media landscape have ranked their upcoming opponent in the xxxx?
Here is Jets Wire's
roundup of national media power rankings for their next opponent, the xxxxx, heading into Week 8:
USA TODAY
14. Las Vegas Raiders (12): The Raiders are who we thought they were − that's why we took the damn field. Now if you want to crown them, then crown their … not for the past four weeks actually.
Pro Football Talk
19. Raiders (No. 16; 3-4): Mendoza time is coming.
The Athletic
24. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)Last week: 18
Sunday: Lost to Rams 35-21
Something spooky: Quarterback questions
After a fourth straight loss on Sunday, Kirk Cousins was asked about how and when the team would turn things over to No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. It’s not happening yet, but even if Cousins wasn’t the biggest problem Sunday (he threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns, but the Raiders still can’t run the ball), the questions about Mendoza will get louder if Las Vegas drops next weekend’s game in New York.
Up next: at Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Bleacher Report
20. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)
Last Week: 18
Week 7 Result: Lost vs. Los Angeles Rams 35-21
The feelgood start to the Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 campaign came screeching to a halt when the calendar flipped to October. The team turned into a pumpkin and lost all four games in the month.
At this juncture, the possibility of this year's No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, taking over Las Vegas' offense on a full-time basis must be under strong consideration. A Week 13 bye may be too late in the process to get the team's biggest investment onto the field, because he could use all of the snaps he can get.
On the flip side of the coin, the Raiders still face four of the league's top 12 defenses over the next five games, which doesn't even include the Denver Broncos' talented unit.
So, the Raiders have a significant decision to make. Either the coaching staff and organization feel Mendoza is ready no matter who he faces, or the team will have to wait until December before pulling Kirk Cousins from the starting lineup.
CBS Sports
22. Raiders (-)
After three straight victories to begin the season, the Raiders have lost four straight. It wasn't because of Kirk Cousins, but it might be time for Fernando Mendoza.
FOX Sports
20. Las Vegas RaidersRecord: 3-4
Previous ranking: 18 ↓
Super Bowl odds: +15000 (tied for 23rd-best)
Remember when everyone was screaming that the Raiders belonged in the top 10? That was just four weeks and yet four losses ago. In fairness to them, those losses have come against the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills and Rams, and it’s pretty clear that all four of those teams are way out of the Raiders’ league. They do get a break against the Jets next Sunday. But after that, it’s the 49ers, Seahawks, Broncos and Browns. So yes, things definitely can still get worse. Which means it would be a bad time to switch to rookie QB Fernando Mendoza right now.
Next game: @ Jets (Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET)
Stat To Know: After starting the season 3-0, the Raiders have lost four straight games, allowing an NFL-worst 35.75 points per game over that span.
ESPN
22. Las Vegas Raiders (3-4)Week 7 result: Lost to the Rams 35-21Week 7 ranking: 18
Best offseason addition: QB Kirk Cousins
While the masses are eager to see Fernando Mendoza take over the offense, Cousins has played surprisingly well to the point that the No. 1 pick has had to wait longer than expected to be the starter. Cousins, 38, ranks third in passing yards (1,877) and first in touchdown passes (16). Sure, the limitations at his age, such as arm strength and mobility, have been prevalent. But Las Vegas' four-game losing streak is not solely on him. Coach Klint Kubiak confirmed that Cousins will start in Week 8 against the Jets.
This article originally appeared on Jets Wire: NFL power rankings: Where Jets' next opponent, the Raiders, rank in Week 8
