The Cincinnati Bengals opened the 2026 season with a 27-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, kicking off Week 1 with a hard-fought win at home. The Bengals capitalized on key moments to establish an early lead, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season. Despite a late push from Tampa Bay, Cincinnati held firm to secure the victory. Offensively, the Bengals were led by the dynamic duo of Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase. Burrow threw for two touchdowns, showcasing his strong connection with Chase, who racked up an impressive 112 receiving yards. Chase Brown added balance to the Bengals' attack with 91 rushing yards, keeping the Buccaneers' defense on its heels throughout the game. Meanwhile, Baker Mayfield of the Buccaneers threw for 290 yards, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Bengals' cohesive offensive performance. On the defensive side, Cincinnati's Harrison Smith made a notable impact with a key sack, helping to disrupt Tampa Bay's rhythm at crucial moments. Alex Anzalone of the Buccaneers led all defenders with eight tackles, but the Bengals' defense stepped up when it mattered most to prevent a late-game comeback. The turning point came in the fourth quarter when Cincinnati's defense tightened, forcing Tampa Bay to settle for field goals rather than touchdowns, ultimately sealing the Bengals' narrow victory.