The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open the 2026 season with a tough assignment on defense. According to early betting lines, Tampa Bay enters Week 1 as a 3.5-point road underdog against the Cincinnati Bengals in a matchup that immediately places Todd Bowles’ secondary under the spotlight. The Buccaneers begin the season with consecutive games against Ohio teams, traveling to Cincinnati before returning home to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 2.
While Tampa Bay’s schedule eventually includes an early three-game homestand and appearances on Sunday, Monday, and Thursday Night Football, the opener against Cincinnati could quickly reveal how ready the Buccaneers are defensively.
That challenge begins with Joe Burrow and arguably the NFL’s most dangerous wide receiver duo. Ja’Marr Chase remains one of football’s premier game-breaking threats, while Tee Higgins continues creating matchup nightmares with his size and contested-catch ability.
For Tampa Bay’s secondary, it’s a brutal opening exam.
The Buccaneers are still searching for consistency at cornerback after uneven performances throughout the 2025 season. Zyon McCollum struggled at times against elite receivers last year and could immediately draw difficult assignments against Chase or Higgins.
Tampa Bay is also relying heavily on youth and internal development throughout the secondary. 2025 second-round pick Benjamin Morrison battled injuries during his rookie season and now enters training camp competing for a starting role after veteran cornerback Jamel Dean departed for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Meanwhile, Jacob Parrish may also see expanded responsibilities following the team’s selection of Keionte Scott in the fourth round.
The biggest concern for Tampa Bay may be the matchup itself.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers open as underdogs against Bengals in Week 1
Reporting by Glenn Erby , Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
