Texans vs. Raiders live: TV channel, live stream, where to watch NFL preseason game

What will Fernando Mendoza have for an encore performance?

The Las Vegas Raiders will again give the keys to the No. 1 overall pick on Thursday night vs. the Houston Texans (8 p.m. ET, ESPN), and he has an opportunity to make right in a game that had some notable firsts.

He threw his first NFL touchdown pass to receiver Jack Bech, a second-quarter score that perfectly threaded the needle in the end zone. He also suffered his first NFL loss, and his first football loss since 2024, when he was the quarterback at Cal.

The loss didn’t sit well with the rookie passer.

“Unfortunately, I let my teammates down today,” Mendoza said following the game, “but it’s a growing experience.”

The Texans have loftier goals than just a promising preseason performance from its players. After a season in which its dominant, league-leading defense paved the way for a playoff appearance, Houston is resting its starters in the preseason in hopes of keeping their eyes on the ultimate prize.

That might be a relief for the No. 1 overall pick when he takes the field and looks to build on a promising first start under the bright lights of the NFL.

USA TODAY Sports will provide live updates, highlights and more from the Raiders-Texans preseason matchup below. All times are Eastern.