Bengals open as early Week 1 favorite over Buccaneers

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Bengals are early favorites against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for their Week 1 matchup, with odds ranging from 2.5 to 3.5 points. The game features explosive offenses and a high over/under of 51.5 points.

Key points

Bengals favored by 2.5 to 3.5 points against Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield has a 6-2 record against Cincinnati
Over/under set at 51.5 points for the game
Joe Burrow's health is key for Bengals' success
Cincinnati's offense excels with key players healthy

Cincinnati BengalsTampa Bay Buccaneers

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 28: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Center Ryan Jensen (66) lines up over the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Jameis Winston (3) goes through his snap count during the NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Cincinnati Bengals on October 28, 2018, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Allio/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images The Cincinnati Bengals face a challenging and rare matchup to start the 2026 season as they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Baker Mayfield has a 6-2 career record against Cincinnati, and the team has just a 2-5 record under Zac Taylor in season openers. Nevertheless, after the official schedule release on Thursday evening, the oddsmakers have the Bengals as early favorites for their “Open in Orange” game against the Bucs. Depending on the source, Cincinnati is listed as a 2.5-3.5-point favorite in the opener. FanDuel Sportsbook goes with the higher range, at 3.5 points in favor of the Bengals. The old rule of thumb in NFL betting is that the home team is usually a 3-point favorite if the teams are seen as an even matchup. The oddsmakers don’t seem to have much faith in either defense, with an over/under of 51.5 points, and it suggests the Bengals’ defensive improvements may not be moving the needle nationally. However, it also points to two explosive offenses with quality quarterbacks and weapons. After breakout seasons in 2023 and 2024 when he joined , Mayfield’s stats took a slight dip last year. Even so, the former No. 1 overall pick has thrown for 95 touchdowns against just 37 interceptions in three seasons with the Bucs. And, as it always goes with the Bengals’ success, ’s health will be the key to their success, along with improvement on defense. When Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and are all on the field and healthy at the same time, Cincinnati’s offense puts up record performances.

Q&A

What are the betting odds for the Bengals vs. Buccaneers Week 1 game?

The Bengals are favored by 2.5 to 3.5 points against the Buccaneers in their Week 1 matchup.

How has Baker Mayfield performed against the Bengals?

Baker Mayfield has a 6-2 career record against the Bengals.

What impact does Joe Burrow's health have on the Bengals' performance?

Joe Burrow's health is crucial for the Bengals' success, as their offense performs best when he, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are all healthy.

Bengals open as early Week 1 favorite over Buccaneers

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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