Raiders Face Tough 2026 Schedule as Rookie QB Fernando Mendoza Joins
The Las Vegas Raiders entered the 2026 NFL Draft by selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick, sparking optimism in the locker room.
However, analysts note that the Raiders’ regular‑season slate features opponents whose combined winning percentage last year was 52. 9%, making the road to the postseason exceptionally tough.
This challenging schedule could delay the franchise’s return to the playoffs since 2021, and Mendoza’s early performance will be crucial.
Article facts
| Category | Football |
|---|---|
| Published | |
| Language | en |
| Free | Free — headline and summary on this page; no account |
| Full text | Full article text is not hosted here; follow the publisher link |
| No SKU, GTIN or MPN | No SKU, GTIN or MPN — this is a news story, not a product |