The 2026 NFL regular season begins for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Cincinnati Bengals with a matchup at Paycor Stadium on Sunday, September 13. Both teams are looking to bounce back after missing the playoffs last season.
When is Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Cincinnati Bengals?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers will visit Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, September 13, 2026.
Kickoff: 10:00 a.m. PT, 12:00 p.m. CT and 1:00 p.m. ET.
Stadium: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio.
Who broadcasts Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Cincinnati Bengals in the USA?
FOX will broadcast the game in the United States. The matchup is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. ET, with kickoff at 12:00 p.m. CT and 10:00 a.m. PT.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Cincinnati Bengals preview
Cincinnati Bengals open the 2026 season at home looking to regain the form that previously made them one of the AFC's top contenders. Joe Burrow remains the centerpiece of the offense, with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins giving Cincinnati one of the league's most dangerous receiving tandems.
The Bengals finished the 2025 season with a 6-11 record after a promising 2-0 start. Burrow's toe injury forced him to miss nine games and played a major role in Cincinnati's collapse and eventual absence from the postseason.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers also enter the new season determined to rebound. The team started 2025 with a 6-2 record but struggled down the stretch because of injuries and costly late-game mistakes, finishing 8-9 and missing the playoffs.
Baker Mayfield returns as Tampa Bay's starting quarterback, but the Buccaneers must adjust to the departure of longtime franchise receiver Mike Evans. Running back Bucky Irving is also expected to play an important role as Tampa Bay looks to create a balanced attack.
Cincinnati's defense will be one of the major storylines to watch. The Bengals lost pass rusher Trey Hendrickson during the offseason but added defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence, giving the team a major new presence in the middle of the defensive line.
The matchup features plenty of offensive firepower. Burrow, Chase and Higgins will try to attack a Tampa Bay defense that has been reshaped, while Mayfield and the Buccaneers will look to take advantage of Cincinnati's defensive changes.
With both teams coming off disappointing 2025 seasons, the Week 1 matchup carries plenty of importance. Cincinnati has the benefit of playing at home, while Tampa Bay has an opportunity to immediately make a statement on the road.
Game information
Game: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Cincinnati Bengals
Week: NFL Week 1, 2026
Date: Sunday, September 13, 2026
PT: 10:00 a.m.
CT: 12:00 p.m.
ET: 1:00 p.m.
Stadium: Paycor Stadium
U.S. broadcast: FOX
The Buccaneers and Bengals enter Week 1 with plenty to prove. Cincinnati will have home-field advantage, but Tampa Bay has enough offensive talent and defensive changes to make this season opener a compelling test for both teams.