Tom Pelissero · Jul 17, 2026
Pelissero expects Kirk Cousins, not rookie Fernando Mendoza, to open the season as the Raiders' starting quarterback, and possibly finish it there too. He also expects Bo Nix healthy for Denver, Justin Fields to start if Mahomes can't, no Bryce Young extension this offseason with Young playing year four, and Deshaun Watson to remain on Cleveland's roster.
“But my full anticipation sitting here right now in mid July is Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback of the Raiders.”
said on air, transcribed by us · The Rich Eisen Show (podcast) · read the original →
4 checkable claims from this
Each one is scored on its own against the published methodology. A pundit naming several outcomes is graded on each, not on all-or-nothing.
- Depth Chart CallsKirk CousinsLas Vegas RaidersJul 17, 2026
Kirk Cousins to be 1st on the depth chart
“my full anticipation sitting here right now in mid July is Kirk Cousins will be the starting quarterback of the Raiders”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
- Depth Chart CallsJustin FieldsKansas City ChiefsJul 17, 2026
Justin Fields to be 1st on the depth chart
“Obviously, if he can't, or if he's limited in the early going, we know exactly who it's gonna be with Justin Fields.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
- Roster Spot CallsDeshaun WatsonCleveland BrownsJul 17, 2026
Deshaun Watson to make the roster
“He's in the final year of that five year 230,000,000 contract. He's gonna be on the team”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.
- Roster Spot CallsBryce YoungJul 17, 2026
Bryce Young to make the roster
“I don't expect a Bryce Young extension. I believe that he'll play in year four.”
Not settled yet. This is graded once the season it describes has finished.