Bengals edge Buccaneers 33-27 in Week 1, fueled by a balanced attack and opportunistic defense

The Bengals opened their season with a 33-27 win over the Buccaneers, supported by an improved offensive line, a productive mix of receivers led by Mike Gesicki and a versatile running game from Chase Brown, and a defense that forced four turnovers for a +3 margin. Key plays included Demetrius Knight Jr.’s scoop-and-score and Boye Mafe’s strip-sack, while Evan McPherson connected multiple long field goals. Burrow’s lone blemish was a third-quarter pick-six, but Cincinnati still controlled the game and began 1-0, even as early defensive alignment issues and Ja’Marr Chase’s quiet receiving day offered reminders of the season’s adjustments ahead.