Fernando Mendoza becomes rookie award favorite after Raiders trade Kirk Cousins
The Raiders rookie had not started a regular-season game when the trade moved him into the starting role.
Key points
- The Raiders traded quarterback Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings.
- Fernando Mendoza was the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
- DraftKings moved Mendoza from +2,000 to +350 immediately after the trade.
- Mendoza led Indiana to an undefeated season and a national championship.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza became the favorite in the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year market after the team traded Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings, Covers reported on Nov. 11, 2026.
The trade moved Mendoza, the first pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, into the Raiders’ starting role. He had not started a regular-season game before the deal.
DraftKings moved Mendoza’s award odds from +2,000 to +350 immediately after the trade and later to +300. Caesars listed him at +200, while FanDuel had him at +350, according to Covers.
The Raiders had signed Cousins to start while Mendoza adjusted to the NFL. Mendoza, 23, arrived after leading the Indiana Hoosiers to an undefeated season and a national championship win over Miami. He also won the Heisman Trophy.
At Indiana last year, Mendoza threw for 3,535 yards, 41 touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for seven scores.
Covers identified Cleveland Browns receiver Denzel Boston as a leading contender in the award market. Boston, the 39th-overall pick, had 32 catches for 507 yards and three touchdowns, leading rookies in receiving yards.
Mendoza’s first games as the Raiders’ starter are scheduled against the Seattle Seahawks and Denver Broncos. Seattle ranked fourth in points allowed per game, while Denver ranked 10th, Covers reported.
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