{
  "id": 3776421,
  "title": "Raiders rank low in ESPN NFL ranking despite Maxx Crosby, Kirk Cousins factor",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/27/raiders-rank-low-in-espn-nfl-ranking-despite-maxx-crosby-kirk-cousins",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-27T16:45:31.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Yahoo Sports",
    "slug": "yahoo-sports",
    "url": "https://sports.yahoo.com/articles/raiders-rank-low-espn-nfl-164531912.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Las Vegas Raiders have seen a significant boost in their lineup this season with the return of edge rusher Maxx Crosby, the addition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins, and the emergence of Heisman Trophy-winning rookie Fernando Mendoza. Despite these strong factors, ESPN NFL analyst Ben Solak has ranked the Raiders at No. 27 in his team watchability ranking, placing them far from a must-watch team.\n\nSolak's primary concern is Kirk Cousins' perceived lack of excitement on the field. While many fans might disagree, Solak suggests that the Raiders' offense, even with a good performance, could be tiresome due to the prospect of the first overall pick, Fernando Mendoza, sitting out for a considerable period.\n\nMoreover, Solak argues that teams like the Raiders are inherently challenging to watch due to their middling offensive capabilities. Even if the Raiders achieve success, Solak believes it could become monotonous, as it would mean the quality backup quarterback, Fernando Mendoza, would not be playing. This sentiment is further reinforced by the fact that Mendoza's return is likely to spark a surge in viewership, but the novelty would quickly fade once he settles in as the primary QB.\n\nOn a positive note, tight end Brock Bowers and running back Ashton Jeanty are mentioned as elements that could make watching the Raiders more enjoyable. However, Solak ultimately posits that Mendoza's performance will be the key to the Raiders being watchable this season.",
  "summary": "One NFL analyst doesn't think Maxx Crosby and Kirk Cousins will be exciting to watch.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}