Week 1 · 2026
Bengals Turn Takeaways Into a 33-27 Opening Statement
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27 at Cincinnati Bengals 33
How the Game Went
Cincinnati opened with a 33-27 win over Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers led 3-0 after Chase McLaughlin’s field goal, but Demetrius Knight Jr. returned a fumble 27 yards for a touchdown. Joe Burrow then hit Mike Gesicki for a score, and Chase Brown ran in another. Cincinnati led 24-10 at halftime. Tampa Bay rallied, including a 38-yard interception return touchdown by Josiah Trotter. Still, Evan McPherson made field goals from 55 and 58 yards, and Burrow’s late 18-yard pass to Tee Higgins helped finish the game.
Standout Performers
Knight gave the Bengals an early boost with his fumble-return touchdown. Burrow threw for 254 yards and helped seal the win with his pass to Higgins. Higgins made two 29-yard catches and added the important late grab. Brown provided balance by rushing for 56 yards and one touchdown. McPherson scored with three field goals, including kicks from 55 and 58 yards. For Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving totaled 45 rushing yards and 48 receiving yards, while Baker Mayfield ran for a 9-yard touchdown.
What It Means
The Bengals began the season 1-0 and now head toward Houston with confidence. Their defense forced four Tampa Bay turnovers, showing how takeaways can quickly change a game. Cincinnati also stayed calm when the Buccaneers cut the lead to seven points. The Bengals answered with field goals, a forced fumble, and Burrow’s clutch pass to Higgins. Tampa Bay heads to Cleveland needing to protect the ball better. The game showed that teamwork matters when every player helps finish a close win.