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The Las Vegas Raiders are entering the 2026 NFL season with more questions than answers — and apparently, the league’s schedule makers are asking plenty of them too.
For the first time since 2010, the Raiders were completely left out of the NFL’s primetime slate. No Sunday night spotlight. No Monday night drama. Not even a Thursday night cameo. Ouch. For many fans, that felt less like a scheduling quirk and more like a giant neon sign flashing: “Prove it first.”
And according to analyst Rob Parker, the move says a lot about how the NFL views rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
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NFL’s Schedule Sends a Loud Message
During a recent appearance on Fox Sports Radio’s The Odd Couple, Parker didn’t hold back when discussing Mendoza and the Raiders’ national relevance.
He argued that if the league truly believed Mendoza was a future superstar, the Raiders would have landed at least one nationally televised game. Instead, Las Vegas was left entirely off the primetime map — something almost unheard of for a franchise with such a massive fan base.
Parker even claimed Mendoza was drafted first overall mainly because the 2026 quarterback class lacked elite talent. That’s the kind of criticism that sticks around like a bad fantasy football pick.
Still, the NFL’s decision may not be entirely about Mendoza. Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins is currently expected to compete for — and possibly hold — the starting job. If Mendoza isn’t guaranteed to play early, the league may have avoided scheduling a marquee showcase around uncertainty.
In other words, TV executives probably prefer touchdowns over quarterback guessing games.
Scouts and Coaches Aren’t Fully Sold Yet
Unfortunately for Mendoza, the skepticism doesn’t end with sports talk radio.
An anonymous ACC coach recently questioned whether the rookie possesses the physical tools needed to succeed at the NFL level. The coach reportedly praised Mendoza’s decision-making but criticized his throwing style, particularly his reliance on back-shoulder passes.
According to the coach, those throws that worked in college could quickly become interceptions against NFL defenses.
That criticism highlights one of the biggest debates surrounding Mendoza: Is he a polished game manager, or can he become a true franchise quarterback?
Right now, nobody seems completely sure — and in the NFL, uncertainty spreads faster than trade rumors before the deadline.
Raiders Paying the Price for Last Season
The Raiders’ recent history also played a major role in the scheduling snub.
Las Vegas finished with only three wins last season and struggled badly during its nationally televised games. Former Raiders offensive lineman Lincoln Kennedy admitted the team simply didn’t give networks much reason to bring them back into the spotlight.
And honestly, he has a point.
Primetime games are designed to showcase exciting football. Last year’s Raiders often looked more like a team trying to assemble IKEA furniture without instructions — chaotic, frustrating, and occasionally painful to watch.
The franchise hasn’t won a playoff game since the 2002 season, and Raider Nation has been waiting a very long time for consistent success. Until the team starts winning again, the NFL appears unwilling to hand them premium television slots.
Mendoza Isn’t Backing Down From the Challenge
Despite the criticism, Mendoza appears determined to earn the job and silence doubters.
Raiders general manager John Spytek recently made it clear that the quarterback competition remains completely open. According to Spytek, the starting role will go to whoever performs best — regardless of age, reputation, or draft status.
That means Mendoza will battle both Cousins and Aidan O’Connell for the QB1 position.
NFL insider Louis Riddick also reported that Mendoza is already treating the job like it belongs to him. The rookie has reportedly focused heavily on footwork, timing, and operating efficiently under center — small details that often separate NFL starters from backups.
That work ethic could become his biggest advantage.
After all, plenty of quarterbacks have entered the league doubted and overlooked. A few big performances can change public opinion faster than a viral postgame press conference.
The Raiders may have been shut out of primetime television, but the 2026 season still offers Fernando Mendoza a massive opportunity.
Critics are questioning his talent. Analysts are labeling him a possible bust. The NFL schedule makers clearly aren’t betting big on Las Vegas just yet.
But none of that will matter if Mendoza wins the starting job and delivers results on the field.
The Raiders already have one of the NFL’s most loyal fan bases and one of football’s most recognizable brands. If Mendoza can spark the offense and bring wins back to Las Vegas, those bright national-TV lights will return soon enough.
And if he succeeds? The same people doubting him today may suddenly act like they “always believed.” NFL narratives change that quickly.
FAQ:
Why did the Raiders not receive any primetime games in 2026?
The NFL likely left the Las Vegas Raiders off the primetime schedule because of the team’s poor performance last season. Las Vegas won only three games and struggled badly in nationally televised matchups.
Why are analysts calling Fernando Mendoza a potential bust?
Some analysts and scouts believe Fernando Mendoza lacks elite NFL-level traits despite being a smart decision-maker. Critics have questioned his arm strength, throwing style, and whether his college success will translate to the NFL.
Is Fernando Mendoza expected to start for the Raiders?
Not yet. Mendoza is expected to compete with veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and Aidan O’Connell for the starting quarterback job during training camp.
What did Raiders GM John Spytek say about the quarterback competition?
John Spytek said the quarterback competition will be based purely on performance, calling the process a “meritocracy” where the best player earns the starting role.
What concerns do scouts have about Fernando Mendoza?
An anonymous ACC coach reportedly questioned Mendoza’s reliance on back-shoulder throws, suggesting those passes could become interceptions against faster NFL defenses.
Could the Raiders get primetime games later in the season?
Yes. If the Raiders improve and Mendoza performs well, the NFL could flex some of their games into primetime later in the year.
How has Fernando Mendoza responded to criticism?
Reports suggest Mendoza has stayed focused on improving his mechanics, footwork, and timing. NFL insider Louis Riddick said the rookie is preparing as though he intends to lead the franchise.
When was the last time the Raiders won a playoff game?
The Raiders’ last playoff victory came during the 2002 NFL season, marking one of the league’s longest postseason droughts.
Why is the Raiders quarterback battle getting so much attention?
The competition matters because the Raiders are trying to rebuild the franchise, and Mendoza was selected as the No. 1 overall pick. Fans and analysts want to see if he can become the team’s long-term answer at quarterback.
What would make Fernando Mendoza prove critics wrong?
If Mendoza wins the starting job, improves the Raiders’ offense, and helps the team compete for the playoffs, public perception could shift quickly in his favor.
Also Read: Is Brendan Sorsby’s Football Career Already in Danger?
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