Tampa Bay Buccaneers face Cincinnati Bengals in NFL season opener

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to Cincinnati to open their 2026 NFL season against the Bengals. Both franchises aim to improve following disappointing performances last year. Cincinnati, which played much of 2025 without quarterback Joe Burrow due to a turf toe injury, has overhauled its roster by adding defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence and edge rusher Boye Mafe. Tampa Bay enters the contest with a healthier offensive unit and expects contributions from first-round draft pick Rueben Bain Jr. The Buccaneers are currently 3.5-point underdogs entering the Week 1 matchup. While Tampa Bay looks to capitalize on the health of its offensive line and wide receiving corps, the Bengals field a revamped defense expected to perform better than their previous season ranking.

• 5:01 AMYahoo Sports — Prediction For Buccaneers Season Opener Against Cincinnati Bengals