Las Vegas Raiders
AFC West | 3-14-0
Avg PTS
14.18
Rank: 32nd
Avg Yds
272.47
Rank: 31st
Avg PYds
195
Rank: 26th
Avg RYds
77.47
Rank: 31st
Posted 5/03/2026 12:31 am GMT
Las Vegas Raiders QB Fernando Mendoza said he is adjusting to the footwork that comes with playing under center. "And with that, actually having an emphasis on those first two steps, on securing the snap and getting out of there, and being powerful with having quick feet," Mendoza said.
Huddle Up: After playing mostly in the shotgun in college, Mendoza is making the transition to playing under center while also learning a new offense. It still remains to be seen if it will Mendoza or Kirk Cousins under center in Week 1, but regardless, Mendoza should be the first quarterback selected in rookie drafts and has plenty of long-term upside.
Posted 4/26/2026 4:15 pm GMT
Indiana WR E.J. Williams signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as an undrafted free agent Saturday, April 25, according to a source.
Posted 4/25/2026 5:18 pm GMT
Arkansas RB Mike Washington Jr. was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the 122nd overall selection in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Huddle Up: Washington will be behind Ashton Jeanty on the depth chart but could see some touches during the game if he is the No. 2 running back. Fantasy players can monitor his progress during training camp because Washington could be a late-round pick in some deeper leagues.
Posted 4/24/2026 12:08 am GMT
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Huddle Up: The Raiders brought in Kirk Cousins, but it still wouldn't be a surprise to see Mendoza open the year as the starter. Whenever Mendoza does end up under center, he should be a QB2 with plenty of long-term upside.
Posted 4/12/2026 8:30 pm GMT
Las Vegas Raiders TE Brock Bowers might benefit more if QB Kirk Cousins wins the starting job to begin the season over presumptive No. 1 pick QB Francisco Mendoza. Cousins has excelled with multi-TE sets throughout his NFL career. "I've always really enjoyed playing with talented tight ends because of the curveball that it throws at defenses," Cousins said. "I expect Brock to be as good of a curveball as I've ever played with. Can't wait to see how we can use him and to get on the grass with him. Even routes on air, I think it's going to be exciting to see a guy like that go to work."
Huddle Up: Fantasy managers might be pulling for Cousins in the summer and into the preseason, as Bowers could struggle with a rookie signal caller learning the ropes in the NFL. Consistency is key, and the veteran Cousins could make the difference between Bowers being among the Top 3 options at the position, or being simply Top 10.
Posted 4/07/2026 12:13 am GMT
Las Vegas Raiders QB Kirk Cousins has now been officially signed by Las Vegas on Monday, April 6.
Huddle Up: After going 12-10 as a starter for the Falcons in his two seasons in Atlanta, Cousins linked up with the Las Vegas Raiders as a possible bridge to presumptive new quarterback Fernando Mendoza. In those two seasons, Cousins threw 28 touchdown passes to a whopping 21 interceptions. For fantasy purposes, Cousins is a situational start when he does get into a game. Even then, you'll likely have better options than throwing Cousins into your starting lineup.
Posted 4/03/2026 12:40 am GMT
Las Vegas Raiders QB Kirk Cousins "likely will be starting games" in 2026, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Huddle Up: The Raiders are expected to select Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, and while the rookie could end up under center in Week 1, it sounds like the Raiders could opt to bring Mendoza along slowly. If Cousins does open the year as the starter, he could be a midrange QB2 until Mendoza inevitably takes over.
Posted 4/02/2026 2:32 pm GMT
Updating an earlier report, Las Vegas Raiders QB Kirk Cousins will land a five-year, $172 million deal with the Raiders that in reality is a one-year, fully guaranteed $20 million deal that also contains a club option for two years at $80 million. The Falcons owe him $8.7 million this season and the Raiders will pay $1.3 million. Las Vegas also agreed to pay him a fully guaranteed $10 million roster bonus on the third day of the 2027 new league year.
Huddle Up: The Raiders are expected to take Fernando Mendoza at No. 1 overall, and he could be ready to start Week 1. Cousins would present a fallback option that likely doesn't move the needle much in fantasy. At best, he's a midrange QB2 option for the first month of the season.
Posted 3/14/2026 9:25 pm GMT
Free-agent WR Jalen Nailor (Vikings) officially signed with the Las Vegas Raiders Thursday, March 12. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.
Huddle Up: Nailor will be a top-three receiver for the Raiders and could push for a starting job during training camp. He has a chance to see a decent amount of targets each game and can be a possible late round pick in deeper leagues.
Posted 3/11/2026 8:09 pm GMT
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins has reportedly been released by the Falcons, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN on Wednesday, March 11.
Huddle Up: After going 12-10 as a starter for the Falcons in his two seasons in Atlanta, Cousins, having been released by the team, is now on the open market. In those two seasons, Cousins threw 28 touchdown passes to a whopping 21 interceptions. It remains to be seen whether Cousins will be a full-time starter in the NFL again, but he makes sense as a battle-tested backup quarterback or bridge starter for an ascending franchise. For fantasy purposes, that makes Cousins a situational start when he does get into a game. Even then, you'll likely have better options than throwing Cousins into your starting lineup.
Posted 3/09/2026 6:25 pm GMT
Impending free-agent WR Jalen Nailor (Vikings) agreed to terms on a three-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders Monday, March 9, worth $35 million. The deal will include $23 million in guaranteed money.
Huddle Up: Nailor will likely be a starter right away for the Raiders and should see a decent amount of targets each game. He has played well at times over the last few seasons and could be a No. 4 receiver in fantasy leagues.
Posted 3/06/2026 4:17 pm GMT
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is the Las Vegas Raiders' target with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The team prefers not to start him immediately, though, and will look to bring in a bridge veteran.
Huddle Up: Mendoza has good size and intangibles, but their offensive line leaves a lot to be desired. He'll be a midrange QB2 target in universal leagues and is more of a dynasty option.
Posted 3/01/2026 6:22 pm GMT
Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray and Las Vegas Raiders QB Geno Smith are the two quarterbacks the Minnesota Vikings are prioritizing at the quarterback position, if they are released and become available, although Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, a former Viking, are also on their radar.
Huddle Up: The team is expected to move on from J.J. McCarthy, or at least challenge him with a competition from a veteran who has won in this league. The team is casting a wide net at the position, and they are likely kicking themselves for letting Sam Darnold walk out the door.
Posted 2/26/2026 8:18 pm GMT
Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak told the media that the team will adopt a committee approach to its backfield. Kubiak was quoted as saying, "It's important for (Ashton) Jeanty to have a wingman."
Huddle Up: Jeanty working in a committee isn't the worst news to fantasy players' ears. In Seattle, Kubiak used both Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, with Walker remaining the lead back. This should help Jeanty stay fresh later in games, but fantasy players can understandably proceed with caution.
Posted 2/24/2026 3:53 pm GMT
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins will be released at the start of the new league year, general manager Ian Cunningham confirmed. He also confirmed the team wouldn't re-sign him.
Huddle Up: Cousins, who turns 38 in August, will have suitors, and he'll be a midrange QB2 in fantasy in probably all of those places.
Posted 2/18/2026 6:39 pm GMT
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins could be cut this offseason by the team, in the opinion of NFL.com's Matt Okada.
Huddle Up: Cousins has been attached to several teams that need quarterback help in 2026. He is likely to get a chance to start somewhere, so he is worth keeping tabs on.
Posted 2/17/2026 5:54 am GMT
University of Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, was awarded with the Davey O'Brien Trophy on Monday, Feb. 16. He is the 49th recipient of the award, and first in Hoosiers history.
Huddle Up: Mendoza led the nation with 41 touchdown passes, setting a new Indiana school record. He is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft by the Las Vegas Raiders. If he does, in fact, land in Sin City while winning the starting job, he projects a low-end QB2 in most fantasy leagues, but one with tremendous upside.
Posted 2/14/2026 1:41 am GMT
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent WR Jalen Nailor is a player the team would like to re-sign, according to Grant Cohn of Sports Illustrated.
Huddle Up: Nailor has caught 10 touchdowns over the past two seasons while mainly operating as Minnesota's No. 3 receiver. Cohn also reported that the Vikings could be willing to move on from Jordan Addison, which would further cement the team's belief in Nailor's ability to elevate to the No. 2 receiver role. With a bigger role, Nailor could be in the WR3 mix, but his upside will largely depend on the development of J.J. McCarthy.
Posted 2/12/2026 3:47 am GMT
Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty can't fix the running game on his own, according to head coach Klint Kubiak. "Very excited about Jeanty's talent, but the thing I would tell him and all his teammates is that it's not just about one guy," Kubiak said. "We gotta get the line on the same page, we gotta get our quarterback to get the right run checks. We gotta get our receivers to block for him, alright, so that we can get the play-action going. As soon as our players can realize that it's a team thing, it's not an individual thing, we're gonna be successful."
Huddle Up: Jeanty had to work for every yard as a rookie, but with a few offseason additions, along with Kubiak's offensive system, it wouldn't be surprise to see Jeanty's numbers improve in 2026. His volume alone makes him a RB2, and a RB1 season isn't out of the question.
Posted 2/11/2026 4:38 pm GMT
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza is an ideal fit for the Las Vegas Raiders and new head coach Klint Kubiak's system, in the opinion of ESPN's Field Yates. According to Yates, Mendoza displayed elite accuracy and arm talent to throw to all levels of the field. He improved his pocket awareness and excelled in clutch moments. Mendoza brings a strong frame and in-pocket mobility with enough creativity to handle duress, and his quick-processing skills point to a successful starting quarterback.
Huddle Up: Mendoza is widely expected to be the first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. He'll have a bellcow to hand off to at running back and an elite tight end to throw to. They'll need to add some receivers and O-line help, but Mendoza will be a QB2 with upside in fantasy drafts.
Posted 2/08/2026 9:45 pm GMT
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins has a chance to remain with the Falcons next season, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.
Huddle Up: Cousins is expected to be released this offseason, but fantasy players should monitor the situation to see if the Falcons decide to keep him. He could compete with Michael Penix Jr. for the starting job if he returns but will only be a No. 2 fantasy quarterback if he plays.
Posted 2/07/2026 9:08 pm GMT
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins is expected to be released before the start of the new league year in March. That gives him a choice where or if he wants to play in the 2026 season, league sources said Saturday, Feb. 7.
Huddle Up: Cousins just restructured his contract, and recently he said he feels good wanted to play in 2026. It just appears that will be in another uniform, and it's uncertain if he'll be a starter or a backup.
Posted 1/25/2026 10:42 pm GMT
Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty averaged only 1.6 yards before contact during the 2025 regular season.
Huddle Up: Jeanty finished the season with 975 rushing yards and did average 3.7 yards per carry during the season. He will be working in a new offensive system next season but should continue to be a big part of the offense. He can be a No. 2 or No. 3 running back in all fantasy leagues.
Posted 1/23/2026 4:00 pm GMT
Indiana QB Fernando Mendoza officially declared for the 2026 NFL Draft Friday, Jan. 23.
Huddle Up: The Heisman Trophy-winning National Champion is likely to be the No. 1 overall pick, which the Las Vegas Raiders possess. He's not a can't-miss prospect, but the guts he showed in the title game against Miami certainly cemented his draft stock. He'll be more of a dynasty option than a single-year option next season as a midrange QB2.
Posted 1/16/2026 1:59 am GMT
Las Vegas Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty gained 863 of his 975 rushing yards after contact in 2025.
Huddle Up: Jeanty failed to live up to the high expectations that followed him into the league, but he didn't exactly get much help from his offensive line. He still managed to top 1,300 yards from scrimmage and score 10 times, and his 55 receptions were a reminder of his receiving ability. If the Raiders can make some upgrades on offense before next season, Jeanty could quickly become a weekly RB1.
Posted 1/15/2026 2:57 am GMT
Las Vegas Raiders WR Tre Tucker said he believes the offense would benefit from consistency from one season to the next. "For us, every offseason is learning a new offense, Tucker said. "It's like you are starting all over. I've played three different roles in three systems. I'm going to have to play another role in another system."
Huddle Up: Tucker's numbers have improved in each of his first three seasons, but outside of a three-touchdown outburst in Week 3, he didn't show much upside. In fact, he was held under 50 receiving yards in each of his final 11 games. Tucker will have a new coach and likely a new quarterback in 2026, but the Raiders may also bring in competition at the receiver position. Tucker should have a good chance to enter the year as a starter, but he will be a speculative WR5.
Posted 1/06/2026 5:10 pm GMT
Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins agreed to a contract revision Tuesday, Jan. 6, on the final two years of his contract. As part of the restructure, there is now a guarantee in the amount of $67.9 million for the 2027 season that vests March 13. The restructure also included reducing his 2026 base salary from a non-guaranteed $35 million to just $2.1 million, a difference of $32.9 million. That amount equals the increase in his 2027 compensation that this amended deal includes, just split differently.
Huddle Up: The restructure could make it easier to move him, but he could wind up opening the season as the starter with Michael Penix Jr. recovering from knee surgery. If Cousins is a starter on a roster, he'll be a QB2 option in fantasy.
Posted 1/05/2026 2:59 am GMT
Las Vegas Raiders TE Michael Mayer hauled in three of his five targets for 47 yards in Week 18 against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Huddle Up: There were obviously not too many great developments for the Raiders this season, but one of the better ones was Mayer effectively serving as the team's top option in the passing game once Brock Bowers (knee) was placed on IR before Week 17. With Mayer set to enter the final year of his rookie contract in 2026 and his talent still very much in demand around the league, Mayer could be an attractive trade asset for a contender this offseason. In the right situation, he could easily emerge as a top-10 tight end option in fantasy.
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