Overview
- Following Friday's schedule release, Las Vegas was assigned zero standalone night games for 2026, the club's first primetime shutout since 2010.
- NFL scheduling chief Mike North said, "you play your way into prime time," cited uncertainty over Fernando Mendoza's playing time with Kirk Cousins on the roster, and pointed to late-season flex rules if the team surprises.
- Fox Sports Radio host Rob Parker predicted "Fernando Mendoza will be a bust," arguing the primetime snub signals low confidence and criticizing Tom Brady's influence with the franchise.
- Former Raiders lineman Lincoln Kennedy backed the decision, noting last season's 3-14 finish and poor showings in 2025 night games as reasons TV partners passed.
- General manager John Spytek said the quarterback job is a meritocracy and the best player will start, as Mendoza continues work on under-center timing and footwork in Klint Kubiak's system.