Las Vegas seeks first win as rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza takes center stage in Houston
Category: Sports
The Las Vegas Raiders are set to face the Houston Texans on August 20, 2026, at 8 p.m. ET at Reliant Stadium in Houston for their second preseason game of the NFL season. After disappointing losses in their respective openers, both teams are looking to improve their performances and gain momentum ahead of the regular season.
This matchup comes after the Raiders lost 27-14 to the Arizona Cardinals, and the Texans fell 27-7 to the Los Angeles Chargers in their preseason debuts. The Raiders finished last in the AFC West last season with a 3-14 record, and they are hoping to turn things around under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Meanwhile, the Texans, who finished second in the AFC South with a 12-5 record, are looking to build on their playoff experience.
Fernando Mendoza, the Raiders' rookie quarterback and the first-overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, is anticipated to see considerable playing time as he continues to develop. In his preseason debut, Mendoza completed 10 of 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown, showing promise in his first outing. Kubiak has indicated that Mendoza will receive more opportunities to grow, especially after he performed well during joint practices against the Texans earlier in the week.
“This is a healthy test for the rookie quarterback and an opportunity for Mendoza to take the next steps in his development,” said a source close to the team.
The Raiders are aiming to improve their offensive line, which struggled last season, allowing the most sacks and lowest yards per carry in the league. They made several offseason investments to bolster this unit, including signing center Tyler Linderbaum and drafting tackle Trey Zuhn III. This revamped offensive line will face a tough challenge against the Texans' formidable pass rush, led by Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter.
The Raiders and Texans held joint practices prior to this game, which allowed both teams to assess their strengths and weaknesses. The Texans' head coach, DeMeco Ryans, emphasized the importance of these practices, stating they provided a “really great opportunity” for both teams to prepare for the upcoming matchup.
In last week’s opener, the Raiders showed flashes of offensive potential, particularly on their opening drive, where they scored a touchdown. Kirk Cousins, the veteran quarterback, completed 5 of 6 passes for 50 yards and a touchdown during his brief time on the field. Mendoza’s performance in relief was encouraging, but the Raiders’ defense allowed 27 points, highlighting areas that need improvement.
On the other side, the Texans are dealing with injuries, particularly to their quarterback position. Backup Graham Mertz suffered a season-ending ACL injury, leaving Davis Mills to lead the offense. Mills managed to score a touchdown in the previous game, but the Texans struggled to maintain offensive momentum, crossing midfield only a few times.
As the Raiders prepare for this game, they are focused on building chemistry and cohesion among their players. Mendoza's extended playing time is seen as a key factor in his development, but Kubiak has not declared a definitive plan for the quarterback rotation. With Cousins expected to start again, Mendoza will likely receive substantial snaps to continue his growth.
The Texans, meanwhile, plan to utilize starting quarterback C.J. Stroud for 20-25 snaps, giving him a chance to gain some experience before the regular season. Ryans has indicated that most of the defensive starters will rest, allowing younger players to showcase their talents against a Raiders team eager to secure its first preseason victory.
Both teams will also be monitoring their respective offensive lines closely. The Raiders are looking for stability after a tumultuous previous season, and the Texans are hoping to solidify their defensive strategy without exposing their starters to unnecessary risk. The outcome of this game may not matter in the grand scheme, but it will provide valuable insights and experience for both teams.
As the kickoff approaches, the Raiders are favored by 1.5 points, with the over/under set at 39.5 points. The betting consensus indicates a low-scoring affair, as both teams struggled offensively in their previous games. With Mendoza and Mills at the helm, fans will follow closely closely to see how these young quarterbacks handle the pressure of NFL preseason action.
Kickoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN. As both teams look to bounce back from their opening losses, the spotlight will be on Mendoza as he continues to adapt to the professional level and the Raiders aim for their first win of the preseason.