The Cincinnati Bengals face a difficult and uncommon matchup to start out the 2026 season as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield has a 6-2 profession report in opposition to Cincinnati, and the crew has only a 2-5 report underneath Zac Taylor in season openers.
However, after the official schedule launch on Thursday night, the oddsmakers have the Bengals as early favorites for his or her “Open in Orange” sport in opposition to the Bucs. Relying on the supply, Cincinnati is listed as a 2.5-3.5-point favourite within the opener.
FanDuel Sportsbook goes with the upper vary, at 3.5 factors in favor of the Bengals. The outdated rule of thumb in NFL betting is that the house crew is normally a 3-point favourite if the groups are seen as an excellent matchup.
The oddsmakers don’t appear to have a lot religion in both protection, with an over/underneath of 51.5 factors, and it suggests the Bengals’ defensive enhancements might not be transferring the needle nationally. Nonetheless, it additionally factors to 2 explosive offenses with high quality quarterbacks and weapons.
After breakout seasons in 2023 and 2024 when he joined Tampa Bay, Mayfield’s stats took a slight dip final 12 months. Even so, the previous No. 1 total choose has thrown for 95 touchdowns in opposition to simply 37 interceptions in three seasons with the Bucs.
And, because it all the time goes with the Bengals’ success, Joe Burrow’s well being would be the key to their success, together with enchancment on protection. When Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are all on the sector and wholesome on the similar time, Cincinnati’s offense places up report performances.
