The Raiders are visiting the Texans for an NFL preseason matchup on Thursday. Houston is favored by 1.5 points on DraftKings Sportsbook, with the game total set at 38.5 points.
Below, I have featured my favorite Fernando Mendoza prop to consider from this contest.
Best Fernando Mendoza Prop Bets on DraftKings Sportsbook
Fernando Mendoza 20+ Passing Yards on His First Drive (-120)
Getting his first taste of NFL action last week, Mendoza performed well in his preseason debut against the Cardinals. The first overall pick completed 10 of his 16 passes for 97 yards and a touchdown with zero interceptions. He also rushed twice for six yards, while only getting sacked once.
While Mendoza only averaged 6.1 yards per attempt, he posted a strong 100.3 passer rating, which ranks eighth among the quarterbacks that have attempted at least 15 passes this preseason. The 2025 Heisman winner also looked comfortable in the pocket, most notably with a quick strike to Jack Bech in the redzone for a score. While Kirk Cousins is expected to begin the season as the Raiders’ starter, Mendoza taking over the job at some point feels inevitable.
Mendoza led Indiana to the program’s first national title last season while throwing for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns. The quarterback averaged an elite 9.3 YPA and finished with an incredible 182.9 passer rating.
Mendoza has been taking some first-team reps during the Raiders’ joint practice with the Texans this week, and he’s expected to see plenty of action this week.
It’s unclear if Mendoza will start, but he should play a few series again and move the ball with ease, as the Texans are expected to rest their defensive starters.
In his three drives last week, Mendoza threw for nine, 38, and six yards, with that 38-yard drive being the series he found Bech for the touchdown. Mendoza should be more comfortable in his second game, and there’s solid value in backing him to top 20 passing yards in his opening drive.
