Game Info
Kickoff: Sunday, September 13, 2026, 1:00 PM ET
Location: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
Network: FOX
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield: START, QB1
Baker Mayfield came down from that career high touchdown rate of two years ago, but he still has some of the best weapons in the league at receiver and capable pass catching backs. Both of these defenses stink, and Baker Bro’s will be happy to see Mayfield ranked inside my top 12 and a starter in all formats.
Running Back
Bucky Irving: START, RB2
Kenny Gainwell: START, RB2
Sean Tucker: SIT
The Bengals bled RB1 performances last season, allowing nearly 150 rushing yards on the ground per game and over 5.2 yards per carry. It’s a bit of a bold call, but I like Kenny Gainwell more than Bucky Irving this week. The potential for fireworks leans in Gainwell’s favor, as I expect him to be the third-down, pass-catching back.
Wide Receiver
Emeka Egbuka: START, WR1
Chris Godwin Jr.: START, WR2
Jalen McMillan: FLEX, WR4
A game that opened with an implied over/under north of 50? Yeah, fire ’em all up. Both Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan returned to practice early in the week, and you can comfortably start both: Egbuka as a borderline WR1 with upside and McMillan as a decent FLEX play. Chris Godwin has the highest floor of the bunch, but his ceiling is capped in his advanced age (for an NFL receiver). I’m turning 40 this year, so I have no room to talk.
Tight End
Cade Otton: STREAMER
A game total over 50 facing the top fantasy matchup for tight ends from a season ago? Smells like a streamer recipe to me! Hopefully you’re not too desperate in Week 1, but if you waited until the last moment to grab a TE in your drafts, you could do worse than Otton as an option this week.
Defense/Special Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: SIT
Cincinnati Bengals
Quarterback
Joe Burrow: START, QB1
Joe Burrow is my QB1 for Week 1, and I would be shocked to see him throw for less than 300 yards and three touchdowns.
Running Back
Chase Brown: START, RB1
Samaje Perine: SIT
Tahj Brooks: SIT
The poster child for volume trumps everything. Chase Brown is locked into a hefty helping once again in 2026. The Bucs defense actually held its own against running backs last season, only allowing two 100-yard rushers all year. But with the volume he’ll see and a gamescript-proof role, Brown is a must-start.
Wide Receiver
Ja’Marr Chase: START, WR1
Tee Higgins: START, WR2
Andrei Iosivas: SIT
Ja’Marr Chase has a legit argument as potentially THE best WR in the NFL, and is a week-in, week-out WR1. Tee Higgins was really hard not to rank as a WR1 this week, and is locked in as a high-end WR2. Both could finish inside the top 7 or so if this game goes over over.
Tight End
Mike Gesicki: SIT
Yeah. I know the argument I made for Cade Otton as a streamer. Technically it’s a similar situation for Gesicki; the Bucs allowed the sixth most points per game to the position. But as much as I like Tampa Bay’s receiving corps, Otton isn’t competing with Chase and Higgins for targets.
Defense/Special Teams
Cincinnati Bengals: SIT
The Bengals’ revamped defense almost assuredly will be improved from the dumpster fire they were last season. That doesn’t mean they should be anywhere near your starting lineup.