The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finally know how their 2026 season will kick off, as they’ll go on the road to face the Cincinnati Bengals, according to NerdingonNFL.
Sources: The #Bengals will open their season at home against the #Bucs.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) May 14, 2026
A matchup of former #1 picks with Joe Burrow and Baker Mayfield, as @NerdingonNFL said. 🍿 https://t.co/KvG7BJxJUF pic.twitter.com/sjVxyEowai
It’ll be a real challenge for Tampa Bay, but a chance to make quite a statement to start the year. Todd Bowles can’t waste any time getting his defense prepared for the task.
Buccaneers have a chance to make a statement against the Bengals in season opener
Bowles is in for a real challenge, as his revamped defensive unit will need to find a way to slow down an offense featuring one of the NFL’s best QB-WR duos in Joe Burrow and Jamarr Chase.
Tampa Bay's secondary will face arguably their biggest challenge of the year against Chase and Tee Higgins, along with tight end Mike Gesicki.
The Bengals posted the NFL’s No. 6 passing offense last season, while the Bucs passing defense ranked No. 27. If the defense doesn’t figure things out fast, they’ll be in for a long day in Cincinnati.
On the other side of the ball, new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson will call plays against a new-look Bengals defense, who added Dexter Lawrence this offseason. They also signed defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and pass rusher Boye Mafe, and drafted pass rusher Cashius Howell. The Bengals defensive front has gone from a weakness to a strength, and the Bucs offensive line will have their hands full trying to block them.
The Buccaneers will have their work cut out for them across the board in one of their most challenging road games of the year, but a win can immediately set the right tone for the rest of the season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google