Add The New York Post on Google The do-or-die year begins today.
At 1 p.m., Joe Burrow’s Cincinnati Bengals will kick off their “now or never” 2026 season at their home Paycor Stadium against Baker Mayfield’s Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
After missing the playoffs the past three campaigns, Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Orlando Brown Jr. and offseason Dexter Lawerence II have their sights set on turning things around.
“I’ve tried to instill an urgency in the room, a palpable pressure — because we have guys playing and coaching for their jobs this year, and that’s how I’m looking at it,” Burrow told ESPN’s Marry Smith. “I’m playing for my job this year.”
Tampa Bay is in a similar position after a disappointing 2025 where the team started 6-2 before finishing 8-9 and narrowly missing out on the postseason.
Oddsmakers give the Bengals a 3.5-point advantage in this one but remember- both clubs are already fighting for their lives.
Don’t miss their high-stakes Week 1 showdown in Cincy. It should be a good one.
If you want to tune in to today’s season opener, here’s what you need to know.
Today’s (Sept. 13) Buccaneers vs. Bengals game is scheduled to kick off at 1 p.m. ET.
Don’t have cable? No prob. We found a live TV streaming service that lets you in on all the action.
Watching Buccaneers vs. Bengals is easy and affordable thanks to Sling TV, which includes FOX and starts at $19.99/month with the Select plan.
You can also upgrade to the Blue plan for $45.99/month for access to FOX plus more channels.
This article was written by Matt Levy, New York Post live events reporter. Levy stays up-to-date on all the latest tour announcements from your favorite musical artists and comedians, as well as Broadway openings, sporting events and more live shows – and finds great ticket prices online. Since he started his tenure at the Post in 2022, Levy has reviewed a Bruce Springsteen concert and interviewed Melissa Villaseñor of SNL fame, to name a few. Please note that deals can expire, and all prices are subject to change.
