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 Tampa Bay, 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, Joe Burrow’s health will be the key to their success, along with improvement on defense. When Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins are all on the field and healthy at the same time, Cincinnati’s offense puts up record performances.
