Raiders Reacts Survey: Will Kirk Cousins start 6 games?

Q: Will Kirk Cousins start for the Raiders in the 2026 NFL season?

Yes, Kirk Cousins is expected to start Week 1 for the Raiders, pending the preseason performance of rookie Fernando Mendoza.

Q: Who is Fernando Mendoza and why is he important for the Raiders?

Fernando Mendoza is the presumed number one pick in the 2026 NFL draft and will compete with Kirk Cousins for the starting quarterback position.

Q: What factors will determine if Kirk Cousins starts more than 6 games for the Raiders?

Kirk Cousins' starting role will largely depend on how well Fernando Mendoza performs during the preseason.

Feb 6, 2026; San Francisco, CA, USA; Kirk Cousins on the Ladies of Fox Sports Radio show set at the Super Bowl LX media center at the Moscone Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Raiders fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Las Vegas Raiders are getting ready for their press conference with new quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins will be the spot starter for Fernando Mendoza, who is presumed to be the number one pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Cousins said during his interview with Good Morning Football that the two have already watched film together.

At this point, it will be assumed that Cousins will start Week 1 next season. It will all depend on Mendoza’s preseason performance, which will determine who the starting QB is.

In this week’s SB Nation Reacts, we ask Raider Nation if they think Cousins will start 6 games or more. Let us know your thoughts in the survey below.