The Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders drafted quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in April, yet they are one of five NFL teams without a scheduled primetime game in 2026.
This isn’t an isolated case. The Tennessee Titans also lacked a primetime game in 2025 after selecting quarterback Cam Ward first overall. Despite the Raiders’ storied franchise and national brand recognition, their recent performance—just seven wins over the past two seasons—likely influences their appeal for prime-time broadcasts.
During a conference call on Friday, NFL VP of Broadcasting Planning Mike North addressed whether Mendoza’s uncertain role as the Raiders’ starting quarterback played a role in their exclusion from primetime slots.
“As far as the Raiders go, I mean, nobody knows if or when Mendoza might play,” North said, via Ryan McFadden of ESPN. “It would certainly be great if we knew. We don't. But they went out and signed a very competent veteran quarterback, and if they find themselves, you know, hovering around .500 and playoff-relevant in the middle of the season, they might be a little more reluctant to pull the trigger and move to the rookie. And if they are playoff-relevant, they will find themselves flexed into bigger national television windows, whether it's Sunday night, Monday night, or just a bigger footprint on a Sunday afternoon.”
North continued, drawing a comparison to the Titans’ 2025 season:
“Not to point fingers, but I think the best comp is probably Tennessee from last year. They drafted No. 1 overall, took a quarterback who looks like he can play in this league, [and] they didn't happen to get a national television appearance last year, either. … We don't draft our way into primetime. We play our way into primetime.”
The Raiders’ brass, including head coach Klint Kubiak, has indicated a preference for a veteran quarterback to start the season. However, Mendoza could earn the starting role over veteran Kirk Cousins sooner than expected. The team’s quarterback situation and on-field performance will determine whether they secure a flexed primetime spot as the season progresses.
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