Raiders’ scariest pitfall to overcome on 2026 NFL schedule

Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images

Raiders’ scariest pitfall to overcome on 2026 NFL schedule

Originally posted on NFL on ClutchPoints
By Dan Fappiano, ClutchPoints | Last updated May 15, 2026 4:37 PM ET

As the Las Vegas Raiders enter their 2026 season, new head coach Klint Kubiak will be looking to lay the foundation of the franchise. It would take quite the turnaround for the Raiders to be considered true playoff contenders.

Instead, Las Vegas wants to see the develop of quarterback Fernando Mendoza and the offense overall. Whenever his name is called, all eyes will be on the No. 1 pick. He is expected to eventually lead the Raiders into the future.

But with veteran Kirk Cousins on the roster, that may not be necessary come Week 1. Las Vegas could opt to ease Mendoza into action rather than throw him directly into the fire. Kubiak’s full quarterback plan, at least to enter the year, will be fleshed out in training camp.

But if Mendoza is named the starter prior to their Week 13 schedule, there’s a four-game stretch on the Raiders’ new schedule that should frighten quarterback and team.

Weeks 9-12 pose true test for Raiders

Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images

In Week 8, the Raiders will take on the New York Jets. It should offer a bit of a reprieve before their next four games. Los Angeles will be facing a difficult challenge no matter who is under center.

Their stretch starts with the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9, who may be considered the, “easiest” of their fourth matchups. At least based on 2025 results, the 49ers ranked 20th in total defense, allowing 340.2 yards per game. But players like Nick Bosa and Fred Warner are expected to return in 2026, making them a much scarier threat. San Francisco did finish eighth in total defense in 2024 (317.4).

Next comes the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks. Kubiak may have direct knowledge of the organization, but they’ll still be facing a defense that ranked sixth, allowing 285.6 YPG.

To close out their four game stretch, the Raiders will take on the Denver Broncos in Week 11 and Cleveland Browns in Week 12. The Broncos ranked second in total defense in 2025 (27.8 YPG) while the Browns ranked fourth (283.6). Put simply, these four games are going to show what Las Vegas’ new look offense looks like.

Perhaps Kubiak wants to hold off Mendoza’s debut beyond the bye. But as the No. 1 overall pick, fans will be clamoring for him to get under center. Especially if Cousins struggles. Even if he fares well, Las Vegas will need to see what they have in their top pick sooner rather than later.

If Mendoza is the starter come Week 9 though, it would be directly throwing him into the fire. Maybe Kubiak wants to see what the quarterback can do against the league’s best. If he is able to perform well against such strong defenses, it could be a sign he is ready to start full-time. But if Mendoza were to struggle, there would be more questions than answers.

The Kubiak-Mendoza era is set to change the Raiders organization forever. But the debut will hit their murkiest point come Weeks 9-12.

This article first appeared on NFL on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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