Las Vegas Raiders, Once 3-0, Drop in NFL Power Rankings After 4 Straight Losses

The Las Vegas Raiders have fallen to No. 25 in the latest NFL power rankings after losing four consecutive games following their 3-0 start. The slide has raised questions about the team’s direction, including whether rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza could eventually replace veteran Kirk Cousins.

Las Vegas’ latest defeat came Sunday, when the Raiders lost 35-21 to the Los Angeles Rams. The result dropped the team to 3-4 and extended a skid that has erased much of the optimism generated by its opening stretch. The Raiders now face pressure to reverse course as the season moves forward.

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Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) runs during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The loss also exposed problems beyond the quarterback position. Cousins completed 26 of 44 passes for 295 yards and two touchdowns, but the offense struggled to keep pace with the Rams. Las Vegas has been unable to consistently establish its running game, while defensive lapses have contributed to the team’s recent defeats. The Raiders’ four losses have come against the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills and Rams.

Despite the downturn, coach Klint Kubiak has confirmed that Cousins will remain the starting quarterback for the Week 8 matchup against the New York Jets. The veteran has thrown 16 touchdown passes through seven games, leading the league in that category, and ranks among the NFL’s top passers in yardage. The team’s struggles have not been attributed solely to his performance.

Las Vegas Raiders Drop in Latest NFL Power Rankings After 4 Straight Losses

Apr 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza prepares to throw the ceremonial first pitch before a game between the Miami Marlins and the St. Louis Cardinals at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Rhona Wise-Imagn Images

Las Vegas has fallen hard in Week 8’s power rankings after suffering four straight losses. This is detailed more in an analysis by Nick Shook for the league’s official website.

It’s official: Las Vegas’ 3-0 start was a mirage. The Raiders have now lost four straight and can no longer rely on Kirk Cousins to simply throw them to victory (or close losses). The calls for Fernando Mendoza are only going to grow louder if this continues, even if the Raiders’ struggles aren’t really a product of Cousins’ performance. The defense certainly didn’t do them any favors on Sunday, but perhaps they can bounce back against a Jets team mired in similar struggles.

Mendoza, the No. 1 overall pick, has seen limited action this season, completing six of eight passes for 48 yards in a relief appearance. Calls for the rookie to take over could intensify if the Raiders continue losing, particularly with the team seeking a spark on offense. For now, the coaching staff is maintaining its plan to develop Mendoza while keeping Cousins under center.

The Raiders’ drop to 25th reflects the sharp contrast between their early success and recent results. A matchup against the struggling Jets offers an opportunity to halt the losing streak, but Las Vegas must improve across multiple areas to regain momentum. The coming weeks could prove important in determining whether the team can recover or whether further changes become necessary.

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