From CBS Sports · · 1m 50s
Raiders Start 3-0 with Cousins
Raiders' Kirk Cousins leads 3-0 start as Fernando Mendoza's 2026 debut looms.
In brief
Raiders' Kirk Cousins leads 3-0 start as Fernando Mendoza's 2026 debut looms. Raiders' Kirk Cousins has been a top-10 quarterback in the NFL, keeping Fernando Mendoza from starting despite a 3-0 record. Originally reported by CBS Sports.
Raiders start 3-0
The Las Vegas Raiders have jumped out to a perfect 3-0 record through the first three weeks, including a 35-27 win over the Saints in New Orleans.
Historic start
They are the second team in NFL history to start 3-0 after consecutive 13-plus loss seasons, joining the 1980 San Francisco 49ers.
Mendoza's 2026 draft pick
The Raiders selected Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick at the 2026 NFL Draft after the Heisman Trophy winner led the Indiana Hoosiers to a perfect season.
Cousins' hot start
Kirk Cousins has been lights out, tied for the most passing touchdowns (9) among qualified quarterbacks with a passer rating of 107.2.
Cousins' record
Cousins joined Tom Brady as the only players in NFL history age 38 or older to have at least nine passing touchdowns through the first three games of the season.
Cousins' performance
Cousins has tied a Raiders franchise record for the most consecutive games with three or more passing touchdowns (three) without Brock Bowers.
Mendoza's potential debut
The earliest Mendoza could debut is Week 8 against the New York Jets if the Raiders drop their next four games and fall under .500.
Upcoming schedule
The Raiders face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4, followed by the Patriots in Week 5, Bills in Week 6, Rams in Week 7, Jets in Week 8, 49ers in Week 9, Seahawks in Week 10, and Broncos in Week 11.
Mendoza's 2026 debut
Mendoza could start as early as Week 14 against the Los Angeles Chargers if the Raiders fall out of playoff contention and Cousins has fallen off.
The essence
Raiders' Kirk Cousins has been a top-10 quarterback in the NFL, keeping Fernando Mendoza from starting despite a 3-0 record.
