Should I Start Fernando Mendoza?

Saturday, October 10, 10:58 AM

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza is still waiting for his first regular-season snap, and Kirk Cousins has done little to open the door for him. The veteran has led Las Vegas to a 3-1 start with 1,026 passing yards and 11 touchdowns, making a change under center difficult to justify right now. Mendoza's preseason didn't make much of a case for speeding up that timetable, either. The No. 1 overall pick completed 25 of 45 passes for 240 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions across three games while adjusting to Klint Kubiak's offense. There is still plenty for dynasty managers to like. Mendoza came out of Indiana after throwing for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns with only six interceptions, completing 72% of his passes. Las Vegas also has young offensive pieces in Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty for him to eventually work with. There is no guarantee Mendoza starts this season, but spending time behind Cousins shouldn't significantly hurt his long-term dynasty appeal. He remains a strong hold in Superflex leagues and a worthwhile taxi-squad stash in one-QB formats, giving dynasty managers the flexibility to be patient with his development.