Who Should I Start? Carson Beck or Fernando Mendoza

BENCH

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
2.1 0.7 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Carson Beck News

Carson Beck Returns to Practice on Monday

Monday, August 31, 5:59 PM

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Beck (ribs) was back on the practice field on Monday, according to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com. Beck suffered a rib injury during the Hall of Fame game earlier in August. The third-round pick sat out of all three preseason contests, but is back on the field now. Beck is expected to be the third-string quarterback behind Gardner Minshew II and starter Jacoby Brissett to begin the season. There is a good chance that Beck does get into action during his rookie season, but he won't be a fantasy option right away.

START

Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.		 Rush.
Yds.		 Rush
TD		 Rec. Rec.
Yds.		 Rec
TD
16.1 12.7 0.1 0.0 0.0 0.0

Fernando Mendoza News

Fernando Mendoza to Serve as Raiders QB2

Wednesday, September 2, 9:51 AM

The Las Vegas Raiders named veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins as their Week 1 starter on Wednesday, and while some late training camp rumblings hinted at Fernando Mendoza potentially starting his career as the third quarterback behind Aidan O'Connell, the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft will serve as the team's primary backup, according to The Athletic's Sam Warren. Mendoza appeared in all three of the Raiders' preseason games, turning in a mixed bag on his way to a 56.5% completion percentage and two interceptions to his one touchdown. The Raiders face a daunting schedule to begin the year, a fact that could lead to early calls from fans to put the rookie on the field, but also a landmine that the coaching staff must navigate with the ultimate goal of setting Mendoza up for long-term success. Equipped with the tools and mindset to eventually become the face of the franchise, Mendoza is RotoBaller's QB29 and not a player who needs to be drafted as anything more than a third quarterback in 2026 superflex leagues.

Carson Beck vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Beck and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Carson Beck is projected to score 2.1 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.