The NFL’s Las Vegas Raiders have made history through the first three weeks of the 2026 season, becoming the only team since 1967 to start 3-0 after selecting a quarterback first overall in the previous draft.
Las Vegas secured the historic start with a 35-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints in Week 3. The perfect opening is particularly notable considering how far the franchise has come in just one year.
The Raiders finished 3-14 last season before selecting quarterback Fernando Mendoza with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
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Mendoza waits for his opportunity
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Las Vegas Raiders
Aug 27, 2026; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) hugs his father after warm ups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Trim-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)
Mendoza entered the draft after an extraordinary season at Indiana. He led the Hoosiers to a perfect 16-0 record and the first College Football Playoff National Championship in program history.
The quarterback also won the Heisman Trophy and several other major awards while throwing for more than 3,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. Despite being the centerpiece of Las Vegas’ future, Mendoza has yet to take an NFL snap.
Veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins has handled the starting duties during the Raiders’ perfect opening, while the team continues to develop its highly touted rookie. Mendoza is expected to have an opportunity to see the field at some point this season, but the Raiders have managed to win without needing to turn to their top draft pick.
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Raiders continue historic turnaround
Las Vegas has made history in another way during its surprising start. The Raiders are just the second team in NFL history to open a season 3-0 after recording at least 13 losses in each of the previous two seasons.
First-year head coach Klint Kubiak has overseen the turnaround after joining the Raiders following his Super Bowl-winning season as offensive coordinator of the Seattle Seahawks. His arrival has coincided with a dramatic change in fortunes for the franchise.
Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby have emerged as two of the key veterans driving the early success. Their contributions have helped Las Vegas overcome the challenges that come with rebuilding a team following a difficult season.
The Raiders will now put their perfect record on the line in Week 4 when they host the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday. Another victory would extend a remarkable opening stretch for a team that entered the season with plenty of questions after its 3-14 campaign.
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