Buccaneers vs. Bengals NFL Betting Odds, Picks: Healthy Joe Burrow should make the difference
The Cincinnati Bengals will be looking to put last season’s disappointment behind them when they open their schedule on Sunday with a visit from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
The Bengals stumbled to a 6-11 SU record in 2025, while the Buccaneers also missed the playoffs after squandering a 6-2 start on their way to an 8-9 finish.
However, both these squads rebounded during the NFL preseason with the Bengals compiling a perfect 3-0 record while the Bucs claimed victory in two of three August contests.
Buccaneers vs. Bengals Kickoff, Weather, TV, Streaming Info
Kickoff at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati is scheduled for 1 p.m. ET Sunday. The game airs on FOX, and on TSN1 in Canada.
Hot and humid conditions are expected, with temperatures climbing to around 31 Celsius under partly sunny skies.
NFL Betting Odds, Point Spread, Trends
The Bengals lead the way as 3.5-point home favourites on the NFL Week 1 odds, while Tampa Bay trails as a +165 underdog on the moneyline. The total is pegged at 50.5.
Neither of these teams provided loyal NFL betting fans with much value last season. The Bengals finished 8-9 ATS, while Tampa Bay covered just five times while compiling an ugly 5-12 ATS record.
The Buccaneers have also struggled in recent dates with Cincinnati, losing three straight meetings since posting a 34-27 win in 2010.
NFL Player Odds and Props
Ja’Marr Chase remains the obvious focal point of the Bengals passing game after racking up 125 catches for 1,412 yards last season. Chase’s receiving yard total is currently pegged at 86.5, and the OVER deserves consideration against a Tampa Bay pass defence that struggled at times in 2025.
Bucky Irving is also worth a look to top his rushing yardage total of 57.5, and pay out as a -115 wager on the NFL player props. Irving was limited by injuries last season after a breakout rookie campaign 2024, when he piled up 1,122 yards, and should shoulder a healthy workload in an effort to keep Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati offence off the field.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Baker Mayfield enters the season with some added security after signing a three-year contract extension reportedly worth $165 million earlier this week that will most certainly amp up the pressure on the former Heisman Trophy winner and two-time Pro Bowl pivot.
Mayfield tossed for 3,693 yards and 26 touchdowns last season while also setting a career high with 382 rushing yards, but the Bucs faded badly after a hot start.
Tampa Bay will be without longtime stars Mike Evans and Lavonte David, and arrives with some injury concerns. Running back Sean Tucker missed Wednesday’s practice, while receiver Jalen McMillan and first-round edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. were limited.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals’ fate once again rests heavily on Joe Burrow staying healthy after another injury-plagued campaign contributed to the squad’s losing record.
But Burrow should have his primary weapons available after both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins participated fully at Wednesday’s practice.
The Bengals also attempted to address last season’s defensive problems during the offseason, but this remains a team built to win with Burrow, Chase and an explosive passing attack.
Buccaneers vs. Bengals Week 1 Score Prediction
Tampa Bay has enough offensive weapons to make this competitive, but a healthy Burrow and the Bengals passing game should be the difference at home.
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