The Seattle Seahawks did not make any trades on deadline day (Nov. 10), but their upcoming opponent sure did. The Las Vegas Raiders traded starting quarterback Kirk Cousins back to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick. That means No. 1 overall QB Fernando Mendoza will start versus the Seahawks in Week 10.

It will mark Mendoza's first career start. Historically, the Seahawks have faced a rookie quarterback selected in the first round in their first NFL start on three occasions. The Seahawks are 3-0 in such scenarios, per Tim Booth.

The Seahawks last faced a rookie QB in their first career start in 2024. They defeated the Denver Broncos 26-20, who started Bo Nix for the first time. They also defeated Josh Rosen (2018) and Jay Cutler (2006).

It's also worth noting this'll mark the second consecutive season the Seahawks will have faced the rookie No. 1 overall QB. They beat Cam Ward and the Tennessee Titans last year. They'll hope to defeat Mendoza on Sunday.

The Seahawks were already favorites over the Raiders on Sunday. They are even heavier favorites now that the inexperienced Mendoza will be making his first career start against Mike Macdonald's vaunted defense. Hopefully the Seahawks improve to 4-0 historically in such scenarios.