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Raiders QB Battle: Kubiak Opens Competition, Odds Favor Cousins

Odds makers currently favor Kirk Cousins for Week 1, signaling a patient plan for the No. 1 pick.

Overview

  • Head coach Klint Kubiak called the quarterback job an open competition and said Kirk Cousins, Aidan O’Connell and rookie Fernando Mendoza will all get significant reps.
  • Betting markets now make Cousins the Week 1 favorite, with DraftKings listing him at -250 and Kalshi implying a 67% chance to start over Mendoza.
  • Mendoza is drilling under-center snaps to fit Kubiak’s play-action system after taking very few such snaps in college, with team legends urging him to be himself as Tom Brady offers mentorship.
  • Analysts continue to flag a thin outside receiver group, with some urging a move for veteran Stefon Diggs and others advising a 2027 push for an X receiver after Mendoza’s Miami workout with top prospect Jeremiah Smith.
  • Owner Mark Davis praised the offseason and said Mendoza’s arrival is exciting, while Kubiak told staff there are no excuses given the club’s resources as the rebuild takes shape.