When will the Raiders' No. 1 overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, finally take the field as a starter? It's the question on every fan's mind, and the answer might not come as quickly as some hope.

Head coach Klint Kubiak has been crystal clear: he prefers his rookie quarterbacks to learn from the sideline before being thrown into the fire. That philosophy explains why the Raiders signed veteran Kirk Cousins before drafting Mendoza with the top pick. For now, the plan is patience.

The sportsbooks agree, favoring Cousins to start Week 1. But the NFL schedule makers might have given the Raiders a reason to accelerate Mendoza's timeline. Las Vegas opens the season against the rebuilding Dolphins on Sept. 13, followed by the Chargers—who just lost defensive coordinator Jesse Minter—and the struggling Saints, who have managed just 11 total wins over the past two seasons. That's a soft landing for any rookie.

If Kubiak sticks to his guns and waits, the ideal window to hand the reins to Mendoza could come in Week 12 against the Browns, conveniently followed by a bye week. That would give the rookie extra time to prepare for a closing stretch featuring the Chargers, Broncos, Titans, Cardinals, and Chiefs.

One thing is certain: the NFL isn't banking on a Mendoza showcase this season. The Raiders were one of five teams shut out of primetime games in 2026, meaning if Mendoza does become the starter, most of the country won't see him under the lights. For now, all eyes are on how long the Raiders can keep their prized rookie on the bench.