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Buccaneers vs. Bengals Prediction: Week 1 Odds, Picks & Best Bet

Our Buccaneers vs. Bengals prediction for Week 1 includes our best bet, projected score, and the latest odds for Sunday's matchup.

Liam Fox

Last Updated: September 12, 2026 1:30 PM EDT • 2 minute read

Pictured: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) looks back to the sideline as we provide our Buccaneers vs. Bengals prediction. Photo by USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect.

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The Bengals look to improve on their 2-4 record in season openers with Joe Burrow as my Buccaneers vs. Bengals prediction offers a game pick and best bet for Sunday's Week 1 matchup.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati (FOX), with the Bengals priced as a 3.5-point home betting favorite.

🏈 Buccaneers vs. Bengals picks & predictions

See all of our experts' NFL picks for Week 1 based on the latest NFL odds.

Pick	Bet size
Buccaneers +3.5 (-105 via FanDuel)	0.5 units
Under 50.5 (-108 via FanDuel)	1 unit

Total wagered: 1.5 units | Max profit: 1.41 units

💰 Buccaneers vs. Bengals prediction & best bet

Under 50.5 (-108 via FanDuel)

I'm confidently taking the Under on the highest total of this week's slate. The Bengals' offense infamously comes out of the gate slow to begin seasons. As talent-filled as Cincinnati is, anticipate some early hiccups as they get into rhythm in Week 1.

I also have some serious questions surrounding the Bucs' pass-catcher group behind Emeka Egbuka, especially after losing the ever-consistent Mike Evans in the offseason. A vastly improved and veteran-laden Bengals defense is a difficult opening draw for Tampa Bay.

I bet Under 50.5 at FanDuel's -108 price tag, but there's value wagering on a total as low as 48.5 for this matchup.

📡 SBR Edge

Bengals season openers have averaged 34.8 combined points since Joe Burrow was drafted in 2020.

Bengals' defense needs to justify huge investment

Defense has been the Achilles' heel of the Bengals over the last three seasons, prompting the team to finally invest heavily in that side of the ball this offseason.

Former All-Pro Dexter Lawrence is among four new Bengals defensive starters. I expect that unit to be the difference against the Buccaneers, taking away Tampa's run game and making life just uncomfortable enough for Baker Mayfield to get the win.

Score prediction: Bengals 24, Buccaneers 23

📊 Buccaneers vs. Bengals odds

See the latest NFL odds for every Week 1 matchup.

Buccaneers vs. Bengals opening odds

Moneyline: Buccaneers +160 | Bengals -199
Spread: Buccaneers +3.5 (-110) | Bengals -3.5 (-110)
Over/Under: Over 51.5 (-115) | Under 51.5 (-105)

📺 How to watch Buccaneers vs. Bengals: Week 1

Date: Sunday, Sept. 13
Kickoff: 1 p.m. ET
Location: Paycor Stadium (Cincinnati)
TV: FOX

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Written by:
Liam Fox

Liam Fox is a Publishing Editor for Sportsbook Review. Liam spent the past seven-plus years in the sports media industry building his NFL experience and contributing at some of North America's top outlets. His work has appeared on Sportsnet, Forbes, and Complex. He was previously an editor for nearly four years at theScore, specializing in NFL coverage. His career highlights include asking Patrick Mahomes a question at Super Bowl LV media day and shedding light on the champion Philadelphia Eagles' use of analytics through an in-depth interview with their lead data analyst. A graduate of Carleton University's Bachelor of Journalism program, you can usually find Liam writing about sports, watching sports, or playing sports.