Cincinnati Bengals host Tampa Bay Buccaneers for 2026 season opener

The Cincinnati Bengals begin their 2026 NFL season this Sunday at Paycor Stadium against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Each team enters the matchup looking for a victory in the first of 17 regular-season games. Cincinnati enters the season with a revised defensive front featuring Dexter Lawrence II and Jonathan Allen, who move into starting roles ahead of B.J. Hill and T.J. Slaton. The Bengals offense remains anchored by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, while the Buccaneers feature quarterback Baker Mayfield and newcomer Rueben Bain Jr. on the defensive line. Vegas oddsmakers currently list the Bengals as 3.5-point favorites for the opening contest.

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