Tampa Bay
Buccaneers
Spread
+3.5
NFL Predictions
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs Cincinnati Bengals Predictions
Sunday, September 13, 2026 at 1:00pm EST at Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
@
Cincinnati
Bengals
Spread
-3.5
50%
50%
Spread
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +3.5
Cincinnati Bengals -3.5
Moneyline
Tampa Bay Buccaneers +180
Cincinnati Bengals -218
Total
Over 51.5 (-110)
Under 51.5 (-110)
Who wins this game?
Professional Picks
4 available
Professional Picks On This Game
Tom Strickland
Spread pick
Bryan Pratt
Total pick
Franny DiStefano
Total pick
Wes Salvato
Spread pick
Buccaneers vs. Bengals: Tampa Bay Injuries Matter at +3.5
Analysis updated September 12, 2026 at 6:48 AM CDT
Tampa Bay could have fewer offensive options, but the injury report alone doesn't justify backing Cincinnati to win by four or more.
Tampa Bay faces possible offensive absences
Tampa Bay could be short at receiver, running back and along the offensive line against Cincinnati, a 3.5-point favorite at SPF. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' official Friday report lists Jalen McMillan as doubtful with a knee injury, Sean Tucker as doubtful with a hamstring injury and tackle Justin Skule as doubtful with an oblique injury. Their potential absences could reduce Tampa Bay's options, though none is confirmed out.
Cincinnati has an injury concern of its own: defensive end Shemar Stewart missed Friday practice and is doubtful with a knee injury. The same report lists Tee Higgins as a full participant with a foot injury. Ja'Marr Chase missed practice with knee/rest listed but has no game designation; that absence alone doesn't establish that he'll miss the opener.
Betting call: Pass
Cincinnati is the tentative straight-up pick, but there's no clear wager here. SPF lists the Bengals at -218 and Tampa Bay at +180. The injury news doesn't establish how often Cincinnati should win or whether it can cover -3.5, so neither Bengals price earns a recommendation.
SPF's total is 51.5, with both sides priced at -110. Possible offensive absences don't establish an under bet without a clearer view of scoring and pace. Pass on the total.
Pick
Cincinnati Bengals
Confidence
low
Betting lean
Pass