The NFL preseason rolls on with rising stars like quarterback Fernando Mendoza of the Las Vegas Raiders, who dazzled in his debut, completing 10 of 16 passes for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals. As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 draft, Mendoza will get significant playing time against the Houston Texans this Thursday, although the Texans plan to rest many of their starters. Meanwhile, Chargers QB Justin Herbert, under new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel, is also set to make his preseason debut, alongside San Francisco鈥檚 Brock Purdy, contributing to a high-stakes matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers.

By the Numbers
  • Fernando Mendoza completed 10-of-16 passes for 97 yards and one touchdown in his preseason debut.
  • Houston's second-year wide receiver Jayden Higgins is out for the season due to an ACL tear.
State of Play
  • Fernando Mendoza will likely see substantial action against the Texans, who are resting most starters.
  • C.J. Stroud is expected to play a few series for the Texans behind his starting offensive line.
  • The Chargers' Justin Herbert will take his first in-game snaps under Mike McDaniel's new offense.
What's Next

This week鈥檚 matchups should provide insights into player performances and team dynamics as they prepare for the regular season. Keeping an eye on Mendoza's continued development and Herbert's adaptation to the new scheme will be key factors going forward.

Bottom Line

As the preseason continues, the focus will be on young quarterbacks like Mendoza and Herbert, whose performances could set the tone for their respective teams as they approach the critical regular season. Teams' strategies in resting starters bring the spotlight to emerging talent ready to shine.