Kirk Cousins favored to face Miami
HENDERSON, NEVADA - APRIL 08: Quarterback Kirk Cousins speaks during a news conference as he is introduced at the Las Vegas Raiders Headquarters/Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center on April 08, 2026 in Henderson, Nevada. (Photo by David Becker/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesOne of the more intriguing training camp and preseason positional battles in the NFL this year will be unfolding in the Nevada desert.
Yes, the quarterback battle between veteran Kirk Cousins and No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza to see who will start the regular seasons as the Las Vegas Raiders' quarterback will be a big one and it will be in the national spotlight.
It;s so big there are betting odds on it. According to our friends at FanDuel Sportsbook, Cousins is the betting favorite to be under center for the Raiders when they open the season against the Miami Dolphins at Allegiant Stadium on September 13.
Cousins is priced at -200, while Mendoza is priced at +168. The odds of any other quarterback starting for the Silver and Black in Week 1 is 20-1.
These odds aren't surprising. The Raiders' brass is on the record as saying they would prefer if a rookie quarterback sits and watches to start the season. So, it makes sense that the 38-year-old Cousins is the favorite at this point.
But it will all unfold on the practice field and in the preseason games this summer
In other Raiders' news:
- Spytek takes accountability: Raiders' general manager John Spytek knows he has to improve from a tough first season.
- Day 3 starters: SB Nation looks at defensive Day 3 draft pickswho could startt as rookies.