Key facts
- Raiders host Cardinals Thursday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, kickoff 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. local
- Fernando Mendoza, the top overall draft pick and reigning Heisman winner, makes his Raiders preseason debut
- Kirk Cousins remains the presumptive Week 1 starting QB for Las Vegas
- Cardinals plan to play starters including QB Jacoby Brissett and RB Jeremiyah Love, after resting most vets vs. Panthers
- Cardinals QB Carson Beck went 15-of-19 for 188 yards and a TD in last week’s Hall of Fame Game
- Game airs locally on FOX5 Vegas and Arizona’s Family, streams nationally on ESPN Unlimited via the ESPN app
The Las Vegas Raiders host the Arizona Cardinals in a Week 1 preseason game Thursday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nevada, with kickoff at 8 p.m. ET (5 p.m. local time). The matchup marks the first look at quarterback Fernando Mendoza in a Raiders uniform since Las Vegas made him the top overall pick in the draft this year, following a Heisman Trophy-winning season that included leading Indiana to a national championship.
Who is playing and who is starting
Kirk Cousins remains the presumptive Week 1 starter under center for the Raiders heading into the regular season, meaning Mendoza’s preseason debut will likely come in a backup or rotational role rather than as the starter. For Arizona, the approach differs from last week: after resting most of their starters and veterans in a game against the Panthers, the Cardinals plan to play their full roster against the Raiders, including starting quarterback Jacoby Brissett and rookie running back Jeremiyah Love.
Recent form and notable performances
Arizona’s third-round pick, quarterback Carson Beck, started for the Cardinals in last week’s Hall of Fame Game and completed 15 of 19 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. Mendoza will be hoping his own preseason debut produces similar results as he begins his transition to the professional level.
TV and streaming information
The game will air locally on FOX5 Vegas and Arizona’s Family, with local streaming available through fubo, which offers a free trial to new users. Nationally, the game streams on ESPN Unlimited via the ESPN app, which offers plans starting at $29.99 per month and also carries other live sports content including NBA, MLB and NHL games.
Why this preseason game stands out
With Mendoza making his debut and Arizona playing key contributors like Love and Brissett rather than resting them, this preseason matchup is drawing more attention than a typical exhibition game at this stage of the NFL calendar.
Sources
Featured photo: Prayitno / Thank you for (12 millions +) view from Los Angeles, USA via Wikimedia Commons (Public domain)