Buccaneers at Bengals: Week 1 changes leave the betting edge unclear
Cincinnati is favored by 3.5 points, but the available team updates do not establish a betting edge on the spread, moneyline or total.
Season opener brings major changes
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers visit the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on September 13, 2026, for both teams' NFL regular-season opener. Tampa Bay finished last season 8-9 after a 6-2 start and missed the playoffs. Cincinnati went 6-11, with Joe Burrow missing nine games because of a toe injury.
Cincinnati's defensive changes follow a season in which it ranked 30th in points allowed and 31st in yards allowed. Its additions include Dexter Lawrence II, Jonathan Allen, Boye Mafe and rookie Cashius Howell. Coaches Zac Taylor and Al Golden have emphasized keeping pass rushers fresh through rotation.
Tampa Bay also has an extensively reworked defense and a new offensive coordinator in Zac Robinson. Mike Evans and Lavonte David departed during the offseason. Baker Mayfield's three Tampa Bay season openers produced three wins, nine touchdown passes, no interceptions and a 114.5 passer rating. That history alone does not establish how this matchup will finish.
Availability remains part of the picture
Friday's injury report listed Cincinnati defensive end Shemar Stewart as doubtful with a knee injury. Ja'Marr Chase did not practice because of knee/rest management.
Tampa Bay listed Jalen McMillan, Sean Tucker and Justin Skule as doubtful, with Christian Rozeboom questionable. The Buccaneers subsequently elevated running back Josh Williams and safety Ifeatu Melifonwu. Williams adds a third backfield option behind Bucky Irving and Kenny Gainwell.