Bengals Beat Buccaneers 33-27 Behind Defense

The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 33-27 in the 2026 season opener, earning consecutive opening-game victories for the first time since 2014-16 and ending Tampa Bay’s five-game winning streak in season openers. Cincinnati’s revamped defense forced four fumbles, converted the first three into 21 points and repeatedly pressured Baker Mayfield, who lost three fumbles; Demetrius Knight Jr. returned one for a touchdown, while new additions Dexter Lawrence, Jonathan Allen and Boye Mafe helped energize the unit. Joe Burrow passed for 254 yards and a touchdown, Mike Gesicki caught five passes for 78 yards and a score, and Evan McPherson made four field goals, including two from at least 55 yards. Tampa Bay rallied from a 21-3 deficit behind Mayfield and rookie linebacker Josiah Trotter, who recorded 10 tackles, a sack and a pick-six, but penalties, dropped passes, protection problems, missed tackles, limited pressure on Burrow and points allowed off turnovers proved costly. Bengals Coach Zac Taylor credited the defense, special teams and home crowd for the victory.