At 4-5, the Las Vegas Raiders are clinging to slim playoff odds. And playing the Seattle Seahawks, Denver Broncos, and Cleveland Browns in their next three games might end their postseason aspirations altogether.
This reality had CBS Sports NFL analyst Pete Prisco argue that it is time for the Raiders to make a quarterback change from Kirk Cousins to Fernando Mendoza.
“It’s time. Now is the time," Prisco said after the Raiders suffered a Week 9 loss against the San Francisco 49ers. "The Raiders aren’t going to the postseason. They’re not getting to the playoffs. And so, get on with it, bring in Fernando Mendoza, and then let him play. I think this is the moment when you need to start doing that,”
"It is officially Fernando Mendoza time for the
Raiders!"@PriscoCBS thinks it's time to change quarterbacks in Las Vegas. 👀#NFLPostgame pic.twitter.com/4ijZHjQC4G
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 9, 2026
Mendoza has played only one game in his rookie season. The 2025 Heisman Trophy winner only checked in at the end of the Raiders’ Week 5 game against the New England Patriots. He made six completions for 48 yards in the loss.
The number one overall pick QB has been behind veteran Kirk Cousins in the depth chart. But with the trade deadline looming, rumors that the team might deal Cousins elsewhere could clear the path for the former Indiana standout to take over.
“Probably would have done it a lot earlier. But the way they’re building this thing for him and trying to get him in at the right time," Prisco added. "If they’re going to sit him the whole year, you can’t do that. He’s got to play, and now is the time. It is officially Fernando Mendoza time for the Raiders."
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: NFL analyst says it's time for Fernando Mendoza to start at QB for Raiders
