The Las Vegas Raiders are poised to give their highly anticipated rookie quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, significant playing time in Thursday's preseason matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Mendoza, the top pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is expected to lead the Raiders' offense as they open their preseason schedule.
The Raiders are entering the game as -122 favorites on Fanatics and are giving 1.5 points against the spread. While the Cardinals have already played one preseason game, a 33-30 loss to the Carolina Panthers, the Raiders are prioritizing development for their incoming talent.
Starter Jacoby Brissett is slated to receive the majority of snaps, with backup Carson Beck surprisingly inactive despite a full week of practice. Beck's absence means a potential College Football National Championship rematch between him and Mendoza, who faced off when Beck's Miami Hurricanes nearly defeated Mendoza's Indiana Hoosiers in January, will not occur in this preseason opener.
Sources indicate that Mendoza could play at least a half, with additional playing time contingent on his performance. The Cardinals' defense, which allowed 33 points in their previous outing with quarterbacks Haynes King and Kenny Pickett combining for 242 passing yards and two touchdowns, has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in their backup units. This suggests Mendoza may be placed in a favorable situation for his NFL debut.
For those looking to bet on the game, the Raiders' moneyline at -122 on FanDuel is a recommended target. Additionally, a wager on the total points exceeding 40 is available at -137 on Caesars Sportsbook. The Raiders moneyline and an over of 40 total points are the selected betting plays for this matchup.