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Silver And Black Pride fantasy football takes on Kirk Cousins
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from Silver And Black Pride about Kirk Cousins.
50
Insights
28
Positive
7
Negative
Insight ledger
All Silver And Black Pride insights about Kirk Cousins
NegativeProjectionSep 15, 2026
Cousins threw 3 TDs but also 2 INTs in Week 1, posting 5.3 yards per attempt with concerning deep-ball accuracy (more INTs than completions on throws 10+ yards downfield). At 38 years old with injury history, his arm strength and decision-making when pushing the ball downfield are showing age-related decline and warrant monitoring. He needs to be more careful with the football to keep Las Vegas competitive and quiet calls for rookie Fernando Mendoza.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
Cousins managed the game efficiently (21-for-30, 70.0%, 160 yards, 3 TDs, 2 INTs) but the source identifies a critical weakness: he struggles to push the ball down the field. He was 1-for-7 for 21 yards on throws 10+ yards past the line of scrimmage, and both interceptions came on such attempts. PFF credited him with zero 'big-time throws.' The source warns that Las Vegas can expect to see loaded boxes moving forward until Cousins proves he can be effective in the vertical passing game.PositiveProjectionSep 14, 2026
Earned his first win with the Raiders in Week 1 against Miami; threw two touchdown passes (15 yards to Jack Bech, 13 yards to Ashton Jeanty twice) and two interceptions; remained clean with zero sacks despite facing a Raiders defense that generated five total sacks, showcasing protection from the offensive line.PositiveUsageSep 14, 2026
QB Kirk Cousins was not sacked and hit only twice on 30 pass attempts in Week 1 win, benefiting from dominant offensive line performance; Cousins credited the run game for keeping the team in favorable downs and distances all game, making everything easier.NegativeProjectionSep 14, 2026
In his first game with the Raiders, Cousins connected on his first nine passes but mostly hit short passes and didn't throw downfield much. When he did, it was always pretty. He threw two interceptions. The source notes that if the Raiders are forced from their game plan, it could be trouble with Cousins, suggesting his deep-ball accuracy and adaptability are concerns.NegativeProjectionSep 13, 2026
Cousins threw 2 touchdown passes and 1 interception in Week 1 against Miami; he rebounded after the interception to lead the Raiders to a 27-13 win with his second TD pass to Ashton Jeanty, regaining control of the game after the Dolphins closed to within 4 points.PositiveValueSep 12, 2026
Brock Bowers believes Cousins will remain with the Raiders despite speculation about potential trades. While Cousins was mentioned alongside other potential trade candidates (Crosby, Miller, Koonce, O'Connell), Brock Bowers explicitly states Cousins stays with the team.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Kirk Cousins has been named the Raiders' starting quarterback over promising rookie Fernando Mendoza (No. 1 overall pick in 2026 NFL Draft). The 38-year-old veteran's selection is validated by his built-in familiarity with head coach Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, and offensive line coach Rick Dennison, elevating offensive expectations. A Week 1 win against Miami validates Kubiak's decision to start Cousins rather than throw Mendoza into the fire early; however, one poor Cousins performance could trigger fan demand for Mendoza to become the starter, especially with the home opener and high fan expectations.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
38-year-old starting quarterback for the Raiders in 2026 under new head coach Klint Kubiak. Cousins played in Kubiak's system with the Minnesota Vikings in 2021 and should be solid behind a revamped offensive line featuring three-time Pro Bowl center Tyler Linderbaum. In preseason, all three drives Cousins led ended in points (one touchdown, two field goals), demonstrating the offense functioned more smoothly and efficiently with him at center. His presence buys the Raiders credibility in NFL Power Rankings heading into the campaign, though he is widely understood to be a placeholder for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza.PositiveProjectionSep 8, 2026
Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins is a good quarterback capable of winning games in the NFL. Having a football player of the caliber of Brock Bowers will allow him to have success for as long as he has time to throw. The Raiders may be a run-first team, but Kubiak designed an offense in Seattle that made Sam Darnold the first USC quarterback ever to win a Super Bowl. If the offensive line can do its job and keep defenders off of Cousins, he can stand in the pocket and do his thing. He will find the open receiver, get him the football in rhythm and place it where they can do something with it after the catch. Cousins will manage the Raiders to a win if kept upright.PositiveRoleSep 7, 2026
Named Week 1 starter against Miami Dolphins by head coach Klint Kubiak. Has demonstrated the most NFL polish over the summer despite strong competition from number one overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza; has been the more consistent quarterback and has not committed any turnovers.PositiveRoleSep 6, 2026
Kirk Cousins named starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders to begin the season. The decision was not a surprise to the Raiders fan base, as the team committed to a veteran starter while developing No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza in a backup role.NegativeProjectionSep 5, 2026
Starting QB whose performance will determine Mendoza's start timing; if Las Vegas isn't winning with Cousins at quarterback, the organization will be hard-pressed to justify not making the change to the rookie. Kirk Cousins projects Raiders at 2-5 before Mendoza's debut, implying Cousins' early-season struggles will force the hand. Cousins has minimal trade value at age 38, especially if benched, as the league already showed lack of interest during free agency.PositiveProjectionSep 4, 2026
Starting QB for the Raiders in 2026 season predictions; projected to be efficient in Week 1 victory over Miami, with the source noting 'Veteran Kirk Cousins is his usual efficient self as Las Vegas picks up Kubiak's first regular-season victory.' Cousins signed a five-year, $172 million deal with the Raiders (one-year fully guaranteed $20M with club options for two years at $80M), though he is benched after Week 13 in favor of rookie Fernando Mendoza.PositiveProjectionSep 4, 2026
With the first-team offensive lineman playing in the preseason, Kirk Cousins was under pressure on just 5.9% of his snaps, a significant improvement that the source attributes to the Raiders' offseason additions of Tyler Linderbaum and Spencer Burford; this pressure metric directly supports improved passing efficiency and decision-making in 2026.PositiveRoleSep 2, 2026
Named Week 1 starting quarterback for the Raiders over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. The 38-year-old veteran was signed to mentor the rookie and is an ideal fit because he played under new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak. Cousins had a strong training camp, making this an easy decision for the organization. His role depends on performance and health; if he plays well and the Raiders win, he will keep the job as deep into the season as possible, but if the team goes on a losing skid, Mendoza will hover. Cousins hasn't played a full season since 2022, so his health could be a factor in how long he remains the starter.PositiveRoleSep 2, 2026
Kirk Cousins will be the Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. The source notes Cousins had a strong training camp and preseason, made the decision easy for new coach Klint Kubiak, and has prior experience with Kubiak. As a 15-year veteran, Cousins is expected to give the Raiders a chance to win while rookie Fernando Mendoza continues to develop.NegativeRoleAug 31, 2026
Kirk Cousins was brought in to start at quarterback and allow Mendoza to sit until he's ready. Cousins has maintained his lead at the top of the depth chart with an emphasis on the short-yardage, quick-passing game, which is the Raiders' strategic approach to managing the transition.PositiveRoleAug 31, 2026
Cousins, 38, is the expected Week 1 starter for the Raiders against Miami Dolphins on September 13 and likely to remain the starter for much longer; he has looked good in training camp and preseason, earning overwhelming fan comfort with his role over No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza, who will begin the season on the bench.PositiveRoleAug 30, 2026
Kirk Cousins has been named the starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1 against the Miami Dolphins. During preseason, Cousins led three scoring drives and demonstrated superior play compared to backup Mendoza, who struggled and turned the ball over on his limited snaps with the first team. The Raiders signed Cousins with the expectation he would start Week 1 unless Mendoza proved absolutely ready, and the preseason performance confirmed that plan.NegativeRoleAug 29, 2026
Kirk Cousins was brought in by the Raiders as a stopgap quarterback to start early in the season while Fernando Mendoza develops. The team wants to ensure Mendoza is fully ready before handing him the starting role, making Cousins the near-term starter despite the long-term plan favoring Mendoza.PositiveDepth ChartAug 29, 2026
After three preseason games, Kirk Cousins is comfortably in the lead over Fernando Mendoza in the Raiders' starting quarterback competition, though head coach Klint Kubiak has not yet officially committed to naming a starter.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
Assumed starting quarterback for the Raiders played more than one offensive series in the preseason finale against the 49ers. Kubiak's offense was run efficiently by Cousins, which portends to good things when games count in the win-loss record.PositiveRoleAug 28, 2026
All signs point to Cousins being the Week 1 starting quarterback for Raiders against Miami Dolphins, though head coach Klint Kubiak has not officially announced the decision. Cousins was named a team captain alongside linebacker Quay Walker and wide receiver/special teamer Dareke Young.NegativeDepth ChartAug 23, 2026
QB took all first-team reps in padded practice, signaling the Raiders are leaning heavily toward making him the Week 1 starter over backup Fernando Mendoza.NegativeRoleAug 20, 2026
Kirk Cousins is the subject of profiling by The Athletic regarding his objectives and plan for accomplishing his goals with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026.NegativeProjectionAug 19, 2026
Cousins was great in one series against Arizona and has had a strong camp. However, he struggled some in a joint practice against the Texans on Tuesday, so he may get more work in the Raiders-Texans preseason game. Cousins, who turns 38 today, likely won't play in the final preseason game against San Francisco next week.PositiveRoleAug 19, 2026
New expected starting quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2026. Last season with the Atlanta Falcons, Cousins was sacked on 12.7% of his quarterback pressures, the seventh-best rate in the NFL according to NFL the source Warren Sharp. This represents a significant improvement over predecessor Geno Smith, who was sacked on 28.1% of his pressures (fourth-worst in the NFL), suggesting Cousins' sack avoidance ability could help improve the Raiders' struggling offensive line performance and overall offensive efficiency.PositiveRoleAug 18, 2026
Cousins has secured the starting QB role for the Raiders in Week 1 against Miami on September 13, 2026, and is expected to remain the starter for much or all of the 2026 season. He has looked great in training camp and the first preseason game, with coach Klint Kubiak stating the starting gig is Cousins' to lose.NegativeProjectionAug 18, 2026
Expected starter Kirk Cousins threw a Pick 6 during the joint practice against Houston, indicating performance struggles alongside the rest of the Raiders' offense in the practice session.NegativeDepth ChartAug 18, 2026
Kirk Cousins is competing with Fernando Mendoza for the Raiders starting quarterback position; both had good showings against the Cardinals in Week 1 and will face stiff competition against the Texans' dominant defense in joint practice, with each rep critical and consistency king in the battle.NegativeDepth ChartAug 14, 2026
While not a pending free agent, Kirk Cousins is fully expected to be released by the Raiders next year, creating significant cap relief and roster turnover at the quarterback position.PositiveProjectionAug 14, 2026
Starting quarterback led the first-team offense on the opening drive, going 5 of 6 passing for 50 yards on a 10-play, 68-yard touchdown drive. The source notes 'Cousins has been efficient all training camp and it translated to the preseason,' with the first-team offense going three-for-three on third down on the drive.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Cousins is expected to get the preseason opener, but there is a real quarterback battle with Fernando Mendoza that is not etched in stone. Mendoza's development and performance in preseason could challenge Cousins' starting role.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Cousins is the starter at quarterback for the Raiders, positioned as the bridge-gap starter while Fernando Mendoza is the franchise's future behind center.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
The extent of Kirk Cousins' preseason playing time remains uncertain as the source notes it remains to be seen how much he will play individually in the preseason.NegativeRoleAug 10, 2026
37-year-old veteran (turns 38 on Aug. 19) serving as QB1 and bridge quarterback to Mendoza; familiarity with head coach Klint Kubiak, offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, and offensive line coach Rick Dennison helps expedite learning curve; early returns are promising; takes over 90 percent of practice reps due to QB1 tax under new CBA; expected to push both backup quarterbacks and serve as learning resource for Mendoza and O'Connell.NegativeDepth ChartAug 10, 2026
Cousins is the current starter for the Raiders, but his Week 1 starting role is no longer a certainty. If Fernando Mendoza continues his strong performance trajectory in training camp, the assumption of Cousins being the starter in Week 1 could change, putting his depth chart position at risk.PositiveRoleAug 8, 2026
Kirk Cousins is the franchise quarterback anchoring the Raiders' 2026 roster improvement. The source notes that free agency and draft results have fans hyped about the future, especially with Cousins on the roster as a franchise-level signal-caller. This context positions Cousins as central to the team's turnaround narrative, with 78% of Raiders fans confident the team can exceed the 6.5 win total after a 3-14 season.NegativeInjuryAug 8, 2026
Held out of team sessions (11-on-11) and drills due to an incident on Friday; directly impacts starting QB position and Week 1 availability. The absence allowed Fernando Mendoza to get first-team reps and creep up on the starting QB position.NegativeProjectionAug 8, 2026
If Cousins starts all 17 games and the Raiders compete for a playoff spot in week 17, the source projects season stats similar to his 2020 Vikings season under Klint Kubiak: approximately 346 completions on 516 attempts (67.6%), 4,265 yards, 35 touchdowns and 13 interceptions. However, the source notes the 35 TD figure is Cousins' career high and he hasn't thrown 500+ passes since 2022, so realistic expectations are closer to 25-30 touchdowns and under 4,000 yards for a fringe playoff team.NegativeRoleAug 8, 2026
Cousins threw two interceptions before bouncing back with a good two-minute drill period during Friday's practice; he engaged in an altercation with Maxx Crosby late in the session after Crosby tipped a pass intended for rookie Malik Benson, with Cousins apparently defending his teammates from Crosby's physical play.NegativeRoleAug 3, 2026
Cousins gained 4 pounds (205 to 209) during 2026 training camp; weight gain may reflect conditioning adjustments but is modest relative to typical QB fluctuations.PositiveRoleAug 2, 2026
Cousins should have a strong voice in tailoring game plans around his strengths given his familiarity with Kubiak and his veteran status. The source notes he excels at executing play-action fakes, spinning around, reading the field, and locating open windows downfield due to his quick pre-snap coverage processing. His lack of mobility and age mean off-script improvisation is dampened, so pocket protection from the offensive line must be on point.PositiveProjectionAug 2, 2026
Cousins enters 2026 as the Raiders' definitive starting QB at age 37, with 2025 stats of 166-of-269 (61.7% completion), 1,721 yards, 10 TDs, 5 INTs over 8 starts. The source emphasizes his fit in Kubiak's under-center, play-action-centric offense, noting his 14-year history of thriving with direct snaps, strong pre-snap reading ability, and handoff-fake deception. Cousins' intelligence and arm strength are highlighted as essential to executing Kubiak's run-pass balance scheme and getting elite tight end Brock Bowers the ball frequently.PositiveProjectionJul 31, 2026
Kirk Cousins is tied for seventh all-time in NFL history with seven seasons of 95+ passer rating, placing him alongside all-time greats like Steve Young (7 seasons), Tom Brady (12 seasons), Aaron Rodgers (12 seasons), and Drew Brees (14 seasons). Cousins last achieved a 95+ rating in 2023 with Minnesota. During 2019–2021 under new Raiders coach Klint Kubiak (who was either Cousins' quarterbacks coach or offensive coordinator), Cousins posted passer ratings of at least 103.1 in all three seasons, suggesting potential for sustained efficiency under Kubiak's system.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Kirk Cousins is currently expected to begin the 2026 season as the Las Vegas Raiders' starter while the team grooms rookie No. 1 overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza. At 38 years old, Cousins brings veteran consistency to the position.PositiveRoleJul 24, 2026
Veteran quarterback competing against rookie Fernando Mendoza for the starting role; media speculation suggests the Raiders are leaning toward making Cousins the starter, indicating he is the favored candidate in the quarterback competition.PositiveRoleJul 23, 2026
Kirk Cousins, signed by the Raiders this offseason at age 37 (turning 38 next month), is expected to play the entire 2026 season while No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza remains on the bench as a rookie learning the system.PositiveRoleJul 22, 2026
The Raiders signed Cousins this offseason and plan to have him play for the entire 2026 season as the starter ahead of rookie Fernando Mendoza. Cousins previously played under head coach Klint Kubiak for three successful seasons in Minnesota. If Cousins plays well and stays healthy, there will be no reason to move away from him.