Make New York Post a Preferred Source Fernando Mendoza #15 of the Las Vegas Raiders warms up prior to the start of the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on November 08, 2026 in Santa Clara, California. Getty Images It will be trial by fire for Fernando Mendoza when the No. 1 overall pick gets his first start against a ruthless Seahawks defense.
Following the trade of Kirk Cousins to Minnesota at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, Mendoza inherits an offense that ranks 31st in rushing yards per game (71.3) and last in yards per carry (2.89), leaving little ground-game support.
The Seahawks, who are laying 6.5 points, are allowing just 4.1 yards per play, the league’s lowest mark by a substantial 0.6-yard margin, while surrendering only 5.5 yards per pass attempt.
The total has already dropped three points from its opening number of 43.5.
The jury will be out on Mendoza, but he would have to make a stark impact with an offense that managed just 240 total yards and 24 rushing yards in last week’s 38-17 loss to San Francisco.
Las Vegas committed five turnovers in that defeat, including two in the 49ers’ end zone, and possessed the ball for just 21:42.
Of course, there’s always Brock Bowers, who is a matchup-proof receiving threat, having recorded at least 70 yards in seven consecutive games, but Seattle has the personnel to limit his impact.
Drew Lock #2 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts during the second quarter against the Arizona Cardinals at Lumen Field on Nov. 8, 2026 in Seattle, Washington. Getty Images Defensive back Nick Emmanwori held Arizona tight end Trey McBride without a reception in their individual coverage matchups last week.
Seattle’s offense presents its own limitations.
Sam Darnold remains sidelined with rib and quad injuries, leaving Drew Lock to start despite dealing with elbow and oblique issues.
Seattle should nevertheless find rushing opportunities against a Raiders defense allowing an NFL-worst 151.2 yards per game and 5.21 yards per carry.
Zach Charbonnet was truly welcomed back into the backfield with 77 yards on 16 carries against Arizona.
A run-heavy approach would also allow Seattle to control possession and limit Lock’s exposure behind an offensive line missing Quenton Nelson.
The Raiders have been an Over machine this season as their defensive deficiencies bring pause, but this game needs too many “ifs” to expect points.
THE PLAY: Under 40.5 (-110, FanDuel)
Sean Treppedi handicaps the NFL, NHL, MLB and college football for the New York Post. He primarily focuses on picks that reflect market value while tracking trends to mitigate risk.
