Mendoza Sees Rookie of the Year Odds Skyrocket After Kirk Cousins Trade

The Las Vegas Raiders have yet to see Fernando Mendoza make his first NFL start, but the rookie quarterback has already become a favorite for one of the league's biggest individual awards.

Mendoza's odds to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year shortened dramatically following Tuesday's trade that sent veteran Kirk Cousins to the Minnesota Vikings.

According to John Ewing of BetMGM, Mendoza was listed at +2500 before the deal and moved to +300 afterward, making him the sportsbook's favorite.

Ewing also reported Wednesday that 63% of the money wagered on the award at BetMGM since the trade has backed Mendoza.

The movement reflects a sudden change in opportunity rather than anything Mendoza has accomplished on the field this season.

The first overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft spent the opening nine weeks behind Cousins, making only one brief appearance.

During an October loss to New England, Mendoza completed six of eight passes for 48 yards after entering with the game out of reach.

Now, following the Cousins trade, the Raiders have handed him the starting job with eight regular-season games remaining.

The dramatic shift isn't limited to BetMGM. CBS Sports reported Wednesday that Mendoza also topped DraftKings' Offensive Rookie of the Year odds at +300.

Other contenders include Cleveland receiver Denzel Boston, Denver running back Jonah Coleman, Tennessee receiver Carnell Tate and Browns receiver KC Concepcion.

None has established an insurmountable lead in the race, creating an opening for Mendoza despite his late arrival as a starter.

However, the rookie's schedule presents an immediate obstacle.

Las Vegas hosts the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks on Sunday, when Mendoza will make his first career start.

Seattle leads the NFL in total defense, allowing 244.2 yards per game.

The Raiders then visit the Denver Broncos, presenting another difficult defensive matchup.

Las Vegas coach Klint Kubiak has expressed confidence in Mendoza's preparation, but the transition from practice to regular-season starts will test the rookie immediately.

The Raiders entered the week at 4-5 after losing five of their previous six games.

Raiders general manager John Spytek said Mendoza had impressed the team in practice. Now the rookie will get his first chance to run the offense from the opening snap.

While the betting surge highlights expectations surrounding Mendoza, the award remains unsettled, and the quarterback has little time to build a convincing case.

His first opportunity to justify those expectations arrives Sunday against Seattle.