The Bengals have a frustrating recent habit of getting off to poor starts under Zac Taylor. Before last year, Cincinnati lost it's opening game three years in a row, and have only won two of their last seven week one games.
This season, they'll face a trip to Tampa Bay to take on a Buccaneers team who have won the NFC South in four of their past five seasons. If we see another vintage slow start from the Bengals, the Bucs are more than good enough to deal the punishment.
Everyone will be watching the defense
The big talking point in Cincinnati this offseason has been the defense. The Bengals' front office made significant upgrades, bringing in Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe, Bryan Cook and Jonathan Allen.
In that week one clash against the Bucs, all eyes will be on the defense. If the new-look defense can deliver alongside one of the best offenses in football thanks to Joe Burrow and co, the Bengals will be a serious contender.
The Buccaneers game will prove how good this defense is
With the majority of upgrades coming on the defensive line, the battle in the trenches against a tough Bucs o-line will be the key battle to watch. Last season, the Bucs had one of the best offensive line units in the NFL. Sharp Football Analysis ranked them as the fourth best heading into 2026, behind just the Bills, Eagles and Broncos.
If the Bengals' new look defensive line can consistently cause problems for the Bucs' o-line, we'll know pretty quickly if they are the real deal. Arguably the most intriuging matchup will be star tackle Tristan Wirfs battling against Mafe, who could turn out to be one of the signings of the season.
Lawrence up against the interior will also be a key matchup so we can find out if trading that first round pick was all worth it.
Former Buccaneers defensive tackle Booger McFarland highlighted the strength of Tampa Bay's o-line. He said on ESPN that the Bucs' line is arguably the best in the NFL.
"For me, it's the best, if not it's top three from an offensive line standpoint in all of football."Booger McFarland, ESPN
If the revamped Bengals defense can overcome that unit, we'll know after week one just how much of a contender this 2026 roster really is.
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