Raiders’ latest 49ers debacle raises two questions that could shape their future

The Las Vegas Raiders lost 38-17 to the San Francisco 49ers, with five turnovers turning a competitive stretch into a heavy defeat. The loss highlights two decisions that could shape the team’s future: when to give first overall pick Fernando Mendoza his first starts, and how long to keep Kirk Cousins as the starting quarterback while the Raiders remain in the playoff race.

At 4-5, the Raiders have beaten teams they were expected to beat and challenged the Chiefs and Bills, but losses to stronger opponents show how much ground they still need to cover. Cousins threw three interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown; tight end Michael Mayer also fumbled at the goal line, contributing to a 21-point swing in the third quarter. The team’s next games are against the Seahawks and Broncos.