Flippin' Fernando Mendoza

Should you build around Mendoza in dynasty?

January 02, 2026

Yooo!

Last night, I asked you: “Is Baker Mayfield worth a Early 1st in superflex leagues?”

80% of you said No.

Best subscriber comments: (No) “I don't mind him as 2nd QB in superflex but late 1st AT BEST. I'd give early 2nd but dunno that I'd go deeper than that”

Our take: I specifically asked about an Early 1st last night because that’s right about where he falls in our consensus rankings (see screenshot below). I was surprised by that ranking as well.

I think that just goes to show how recency bias might be impacting his perceived value. Yes, he’s having a “down” year vs. last season, but he’s still currently the QB12 on the year and has played through injuries to himself and his WRs.

Tonight, we’re checking in on the dynasty prospects of heisman trophy winner, Fernando Mendoza.

Giddy up.

QB - Fernando Mendoza (Indiana)

Here are some of the most recent insights pulled from our Dynasty Pulse Premium feed. Rookie content should start to pick up more and more as the college and NFL season winds down.

January 2, 2026

  • Fernando Mendoza, the 2025 Heisman Trophy winner, is ranked as the QB1 in the 2026 NFL Draft class, though the article suggests he should not be selected in dynasty Superflex rookie drafts until pick 1.05 or later due to limited rushing upside.

  • At nearly 6-foot-6, Mendoza possesses impressive size and is praised for his ability to diagnose defenses and demonstrate accuracy at all three levels of the field, making him potentially more valuable in real-life football than in fantasy scenarios.

  • The article cautions that Mendoza is likely to be drafted by a struggling organization like the Raiders or Jets, where he may experience significant growing pains, particularly after benefiting from extremely clean pockets during his college career at Indiana.

December 18, 2025

  • Fernando Mendoza, the Heisman Trophy winner from Indiana, is projected as the second overall pick and appears to be emerging as the clear top quarterback in the 2026 draft class. His trajectory is compared to Cam Ward's previous draft progression, suggesting he will solidify his status as the premier quarterback prospect.

  • As a quarterback, Mendoza is characterized by his accuracy and arm strength, capable of pushing the ball downfield effectively. While not considered an elite athlete, he possesses enough mobility to extend plays when under pressure, though he is not expected to contribute significant fantasy points through rushing.

  • Mendoza's rise is notable, as he has transformed from being a subject of draft uncertainty to becoming the most promising quarterback prospect, potentially mirroring the draft dynamics seen with previous quarterback prospects.

December 10, 2025

  • Fernando Mendoza is projected as the second overall pick by the Las Vegas Raiders, with the article describing him as a tall, instinctive thrower who plays with toughness and poise.

  • The mock draft suggests Mendoza could benefit from weapons like Brock Bowers and Ashton Jeanty, which might help him realize his potential similar to Jared Goff's career trajectory.

  • While the author notes being lower on Mendoza compared to other evaluators, he still sees the quarterback as a viable option for teams seeking a quarterback with a solid foundation of skills.

December 9, 2025

  • Mendoza is considered the top quarterback in the 2026 NFL Draft, standing out in an otherwise weak QB class with multiple seasons of starting experience and elite production. He is a pure pocket passer with exceptional field vision, ability to go through reads, and hit open receivers with great accuracy and rhythm.

  • Despite limited mobility, Mendoza's smooth and quick release makes him a promising prospect. The New York Jets are projected to potentially trade up to the first overall pick to select him, believing he could be their franchise quarterback.

  • Mendoza's performance in the upcoming College Football Playoffs will be crucial in cementing his status as the top quarterback in the draft, with the potential to showcase his skills on a big stage for Indiana.

Our take:

I haven’t done much research on incoming rookies yet, so I expect my takes on many of these players to develop more over the next few months.

As of now, I don’t get the sense that Mendoza is a player you should go out of your way to rebuild around in dynasty. But I wouldn’t have a problem drafting him “at cost.”

What do you think?

What upside does Mendoza have as a dynasty QB?

(Vote to see live results)

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That’s all for tonight!

See ya pizza,

Joe

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