Who Should I Start? Mason Rudolph or Fernando Mendoza


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
1.0 0.2 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0

Mason Rudolph News

Mason Rudolph Sharp in Preseason Start

Thursday, August 13, 6:22 PM

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph completed 10 of 11 pass attempts for 93 yards in a 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers. Rudolph got off to a rocky start, taking two sacks over his first four snaps, but quickly settled in and led the offense down the field on its second possession. Although the Steelers were unable to score after an offensive holding penalty nullified a three-yard rushing touchdown by Lew Nichols, Rudolph displayed early chemistry with rookie wideout Germie Bernard and several other pass-catchers throughout the drive. The 31-year-old then gave way to second-year pro Will Howard and rookie signal-caller Drew Allar, both of whom also impressed. It will be interesting to see how Pittsburgh's quarterback depth chart shakes out entering the regular season, with all three players competing for backup duties behind Aaron Rodgers. Rudolph is likely to see additional preseason action next weekend against the New York Jets.


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.


Mason Rudolph vs. Fernando Mendoza

Still trying to decide between Rudolph and Mendoza? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Mason Rudolph is projected to score 1.0 points this week while Fernando Mendoza is projected to score 16.1 points.