With the Raiders holding the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL draft, Durango Casino sportsbook director Brandon Kennedy says quarterback Fernando Mendoza is the betting favorite.

The Silver and Black are one week into their head coach search, with offensive-minded leaders sitting at the top of the list.

The Raiders wasted little time launching their latest head coaching search, interviewing five candidates over a three-day span after parting ways with Pete Carroll following a 3–14 season.

Fernando Mendoza’s five-touchdown Peach Bowl performance against Oregon strengthened his case as the projected No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

This announcement comes the day after the Las Vegas Raiders closed out their worst season since 2006 with a win over the Kansas City Chiefs, marking just the third win of the season.

Raiders beat Chiefs 14-12 to end worst season since 2006. Daniel Carlson's 60-yard field goal seals upset victory as Las Vegas earns first overall draft pick.