The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are getting closer to kickoff for their season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
The Bucs will need all hands on deck if they’re going to walk into Cincinnati and beat a team that features one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses. But while the Bengals are a talented team, they aren’t without weaknesses that can be exploited.
Several Buccaneers are in line for big performances to kick off the 2026 season.
3 bold predictions for Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1
Rueben Bain Jr. gets his first NFL sack
Rueben Bain has been one of the most hyped players of the entire NFL offseason, and he’ll live up to it in his NFL debut on Sunday.
The Bengals have a questionable offensive line. Their left tackle, Orlando Brown, surrendered nine sacks and 46 pressures last season, per PFF. Their right tackle, Amarius Mims, allowed four sacks and 35 pressures.
Tampa Bay’s revamped pass rush should be able to generate consistent pressure on Joe Burrow, and Bain will get home for a sack in his first NFL game.
Baker Mayfield throws three touchdown passes
Baker Mayfield has been dominant against the Bengals in his career. He’s 3-1 when playing in Cincinnati with 16 touchdowns and four interceptions.
He’s also never lost to Joe Burrow as a starter, holding a 3-0 record head-to-head.
Mayfield has played some of his best football in this stadium, and with a fully healthy offensive line and a talented group of pass catchers, there’s no reason to expect that trend to end on Sunday.
Cincinnati ranked No. 30 in points per game allowed and No. 31 in total defense last season. Despite revamping the unit this offseason, the Bucs should be able to find success against one of last year’s worst defenses.
The Bucs will need a big game from their offense to keep pace with Burrow and the Bengals. Mayfield will come through, tossing three touchdown passes and helping lead the Buccaneers to a victory.
Chris Godwin Jr. has a 100-yard day
With Mike Evans out of the picture, Chris Godwin is the elder statesman in the wide receiver room, and he’ll be a key target for the Bucs offense.
Godwin is expected to be the team’s primary slot receiver, and he’s seen tremendous production from that spot over the course of his career.
Expect Mayfield to pepper Godwin with targets in what could be a shootout, and the veteran wide receiver will come through with a 100-yard game. Don’t be surprised if he finds the end zone, either.
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