The Cincinnati Bengals opened the 2026 season with a statement at home, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-27 at Paycor Stadium. Cincinnati’s offense made enough plays, while its defense repeatedly took advantage of Tampa Bay’s mistakes to secure the win.
Bengals Jump Out Early
The game quickly turned in Cincinnati’s favor after the Buccaneers took an early 3-0 lead.
Tampa Bay struggled to protect the football, and the Bengals took full advantage. A Baker Mayfield fumble led to a defensive touchdown by Demetrius Knight Jr., giving Cincinnati its first lead of the afternoon.
Joe Burrow then connected with Mike Gesicki for a touchdown, while Chase Brown added a rushing touchdown as Cincinnati built a commanding 21-3 advantage.
The Bengals continued to add points before halftime and entered the break with a 24-10 lead.
Buccaneers Fight Back
Tampa Bay refused to go away.
Bucky Irving scored a rushing touchdown, and the Buccaneers began slowly chipping away at Cincinnati’s lead. The biggest moment came in the third quarter when linebacker Josiah Trotter intercepted Burrow and returned it for a touchdown.
Suddenly, what had been a comfortable Bengals lead became a much more competitive game.
Tampa Bay continued pushing in the fourth quarter, with Mayfield scrambling for a late touchdown that cut Cincinnati’s advantage to six points.
Cincinnati Finishes the Job
Despite Tampa Bay’s comeback attempt, Cincinnati’s defense made the necessary stops.
The Bengals also relied on Evan McPherson, who hit multiple long field goals, including a 58-yarder in the fourth quarter that helped give Cincinnati some breathing room.
Burrow finished with 254 passing yards and a touchdown, while Mike Gesicki led the Bengals with 78 receiving yards and a touchdown. Chase Brown added 56 rushing yards and a score.
The biggest difference was turnovers. Tampa Bay committed four turnovers, while Cincinnati turned those mistakes into crucial points.
The Buccaneers had their chances late, but Cincinnati’s defense held firm and Burrow was able to kneel out the clock.
The Bengals begin the season 1-0, while Tampa Bay leaves Cincinnati with plenty to clean up.
It wasn’t always pretty for Cincinnati, but when the game got tight, the Bengals made the plays they needed to win.
