CBS Sports ranked the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Week 1 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals outside the top tier of opening-week games for the 2026 season, placing the contest closer to the middle of the league-wide rankings.
The placement was less about the matchup lacking entertainment value and more about several other Week 1 games carrying larger national storylines entering the season. Tampa Bay and Cincinnati both feature offenses capable of putting points on the board quickly, which gives the game real shootout potential right away.
That makes the ranking somewhat interesting from Tampa Bay’s perspective. Baker Mayfield against Joe Burrow could easily turn into one of the more productive quarterback matchups of opening weekend if both offenses start fast.
The bigger concern entering the game may actually come on defense. Both teams still enter 2026 with questions about consistency on that side of the ball, particularly in generating pressure and limiting explosive plays.
Nationally, the matchup may not carry the same hype as some of the league’s marquee openers, but it still has the ingredients to become one of the more entertaining games of Week 1.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs Week 1 matchup not seen as one of the best to start 2026
Reporting by Mason Riney, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
