Why the Raiders, Colts and 4 NFL Teams May Be Better Starting Their Backup QB

Raiders face a quarterback decision

Las Vegas selected Fernando Mendoza first overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, then signed Kirk Cousins as insurance. Cousins won the starting role and helped the Raiders open 3-0, but the team has since lost four straight and fallen to 3-4.

The case for a change is that the Raiders’ playoff hopes look slim and Mendoza was drafted to lead the franchise long term. The article argues he should get a chance alongside offensive standouts Ashton Jeanty and Brock Bowers, while coach Klint Kubiak has said Cousins will remain the starter for now.

Colts weigh Richardson’s upside

Daniel Jones had the strongest season of his career with Indianapolis last year before an Achilles tear ended it. The Colts re-signed him, but this season he has completed fewer than 60 percent of his throws, averaged under 200 passing yards per game, and thrown four touchdowns and seven interceptions in seven games.

At 2-5, Indianapolis has also fired general manager Chris Ballard. The article favors giving Anthony Richardson Sr. a chance, arguing that his potential may offer more than Jones, though it acknowledges there is no certainty Richardson would perform better.

Arizona’s season is slipping

The Cardinals are 2-5 and have an NFL-worst minus-66 point differential. The article says a team in that position has little reason to keep starting a 34-year-old journeyman quarterback on an expiring contract.

It notes that beginning the season with Brissett was reasonable and that he is not the main cause of Arizona’s struggles. The supplied text ends before identifying the proposed replacement or completing the case for a switch.

The fourth team is not identified

The headline refers to four NFL teams, but the supplied story text discusses only the Raiders, Colts and Cardinals. It ends during the Arizona section, leaving the fourth team and its quarterback situation unspecified.