NFL just told the whole world exactly how they feel about the Raiders and Fernando Mendoza without saying a thing

Dec 29, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders safety Thomas Harper (34) celebrates after an interception against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2027 schedule has been released, and there are some positives and some negatives to discuss.

This year marks a pivotal shift. The Raiders must avoid a schedule that compounds challenges already expected from a rookie head coach and quarterback. On Thursday, the organization unveiled its schedule, along with the rest of the NFL.

It's a tough schedule, to say the least. And it's especially tough when you realize that they could be doing with a rookie head coach and a rookie quarterback. Regardless, this schedule is perfect for the Raiders and what they need in this first season together. Whether it's the obstacle or the cure depends on perspective. The team will encounter moments of advantage and serious tests. But this could make them better.

One thing that may have nothing to do with making them better or worse on this schedule is the primetime games. They don't have any on their schedule, for now. They could be dealt a primetime game in Week 18, or flex one later in the season, but that just doesn't seem likely.

Not having any primetime games is good, in a way, because the Raiders just need to focus on winning, and none of that extra stuff that comes with the bright lights.

However, this does show how the NFL views the Raiders

In a way, this shows me that the NFL thinks Fernando Mendoza won’t start this year. The NFL is banking on the possibility that Kirk Cousins will be the starter for the entire season. Because, let's face it, they don‘t deserve any primetime games, winning only three games last season.