There is just eight games left in the season and Fernando Mendoza has yet to start a game for the Raiders. But that hasn't stopped the number one overall pick QB from immediately joining the conversation for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Mendoza was just named the starter this week, following the trade that sent Kirk Cousins from Las Vegas to Minnesota. Just two days later, the NFL's official twitter page put out the question asking fans who they think will win the award, and among the four names on the poll was Mendoza.
______ will be named the 2026 OROY 🏆 pic.twitter.com/zVp7WDxBQ6
— NFL (@NFL) November 12, 2026
Others mentioned include Browns receivers Denzel Boston and KC Conception, and Titans WR Carnell Tate.
Only Boston has surpassed 500 yards receiving on the season.
And without any other rookie starting QBs or any dominant performances at the running back position, Mendoza has a real chance to win the award based on how he performs over the final eight games.
He has the benefit of no other quarterbacks having started a game this season. He and fellow rookie QB Carson Beck are now set to start for respective teams this week, giving them equal chances at the award.
As it happens, Mendoza and Beck also faced each other in the College Football National Championship game. Mendoza and the Indiana Hoosier won that game over Beck and the Miami Hurricanes. Then Mendoza became the first pick in the draft while Beck was taken with the first pick... of the third round to the Cardinals. Hence why Mendoza has joined the conversation and Beck has not.
Being in the conversation will not be enough. He will have to prove he belongs in that conversation.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: Fernando Mendoza enters Rookie of the Year conversation before 1st Raiders start
