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NFL Betting Odds: Las Vegas Raiders name Kirk Cousins QB1 over top pick Fernando Mendoza

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The Las Vegas Raiders’ QB1 battle has been settled.

Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak named veteran Kirk Cousins the Week 1 starter over top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza.

Here’s what you need to know.

Make sure to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of NFL game odds, NFL futures and NFL specials and props.

Raiders QB1

The 38-year-old Cousins signed with Las Vegas after he was released following two seasons in Atlanta. Entering his 15th NFL season, Cousins only appeared once for the Raiders in the pre-season, completing eight of 15 passes for 51 yards.

“Kirk’s had a very good offseason, a really good camp and he’s earned it,” Kubiak told reporters on Wednesday.

Cousins spent the first six season of his career with Washington after being selected by the team in the fourth round of the 2012 draft, 102nd overall. He also spent six season as Minnesota’s starter and has been named to four Pro Bowls.

Mendoza Offensive Rookie of the Year

Set to turn 23 on Oct. 1, Mendoza was the consensus first overall pick at this year’s draft after leading Indiana to a national championship last season.

Despite beginning the year No. 2 on the depth chart, Mendoza has the second-shortest odds to win Offensive Rookie of the Year at +600, trailing only Arizona Cardinals running back Jeremiyah Love at +500.

Las Vegas general manager John Spytek hinted Mendoza could start the year in the backup role when he talked to reporters on Tuesday.

“He’s [Mendoza] a tireless worker,” Spytek said. “He loves football. He loves his teammates. He’s energetic on the field. He’s self-critical. He’s self-aware. He’s very accurate. His time is coming, but he’s got to earn it every day, and he knows that. I think we’re all very pleased with the person and his work ethic and his commitment to being a great quarterback.”

Raiders’ futures

The Raiders haven’t made the playoffs since 2021 when they lost in the wild-card round to the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, oddsmakers don’t expect that to change in 2026 as Las Vegas is -1000 to miss the playoffs and +550 to make it.

The AFC West is expected to be a gauntlet for the Raiders this year. With a healthy Patrick Mahomes, the Chiefs are favoured to win the division at +180, followed by the Chargers (+185) and Broncos (+200). Outside of that tight group, Las Vegas is a massive +3000 underdog.