Bengals open season against Buccaneers at Paycor Stadium as Shemar Stewart nears return

Cincinnati Bengals' Jamal Haynes in action during an NFL football game.AP Photo/Matt RourkeBy Sina Torki | Special CorrespondentThe Cincinnati Bengals host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to open the 2026 NFL season on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with kickoff set for 1:00 PM EDT at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.The season opener arrives with several storylines on both sides. For Cincinnati, the biggest question mark on defense has been edge rusher Shemar Stewart, the 17th overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, who hyperextended his knee in training camp. According to Cincy Jungle citing The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr., the Bengals will avoid placing Stewart on injured reserve for now — a signal his recovery is progressing well enough that a return in the coming weeks is possible. Stewart has been seen doing light running drills at practice, though until he’s back to full strength, Cincinnati will lean on Boye Mafe, Myles Murphy, Cashius Howell, and Cedric Johnson to hold down the edge.Offensively, the Bengals enter the season with one of the most feared receiving corps in the league. CBS Sports recently ranked the Cincinnati wide receiver room, led by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, as the second-best group in the NFL, behind only the Dallas Cowboys.For Tampa Bay, defensive tackle Vita Vea agreed to a contract extension that effectively guarantees he plays in Week 1 if healthy, after previously demanding a trade and holding in during camp. Vea has been one of the most consistent interior linemen in the league since the Buccaneers drafted him in 2018, and his return gives Tampa Bay a formidable front to test Cincinnati’s offensive line early in the season.At quarterback, the Buccaneers made a notable roster move ahead of Week 1, releasing veteran backup Jake Browning — a former Bengals quarterback who played in 17 games with 10 starts over three seasons in Cincinnati. Browning had signed with Tampa Bay in free agency earlier in the offseason. His release leaves undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels as the QB2 behind starter Baker Mayfield, after Daniels impressed throughout the summer, going 27-of-44 passing for 239 yards and a touchdown while adding 37 rushing yards and another score across three preseason games.Game detailsTeams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Cincinnati BengalsDate: Sunday, September 13, 2026Time: 1:00 PM EDTVenue: Paycor Stadium, CincinnatiCompetition: NFL Week 1On the prediction market side, Polymarket currently prices the Bengals as the favorites at 64¢ to win against the Buccaneers at 38¢ for the season opener.With the Bengals’ elite receiving duo, a defensive front awaiting Stewart’s return, and a Buccaneers side bolstered by Vea and led by Mayfield, Sunday’s matchup at Paycor Stadium sets up as an intriguing opening test for both teams as the new NFL season gets underway.NFL Prediction market sign-up bonusesBengals and Buccaneers fans across the US can use prediction markets to trade on the NFL opener as an alternative to standard betting. Here are the top options and available promo codes for new users:PlatformNFL Eligible?August Sign-Up BonusVerified Promo CodesPolymarketYes$20CUSE, MASS, OREGON, SILIVEKalshiYes$15 - $500SYRACUSE, OREGONLIVE1, MASSLIVE1, SILIVEPolymarket is a prediction market platform, not a sportsbook. Users trade positions on event outcomes using real funds. Must be 18+ and eligible under applicable law. Trading involves risk. Prices reflect the market at time of writing and are subject to change. All times listed are EDT.NFL Polymarket promo code “CLEVE” extends $20 bonus to Week 1New Polymarket promo code “CLEVE” unlocks $20 referral promo for US Open, PGA Tour ChampionshipKalshi launches referral code “SYRACUSE” with $500 cash bonus for PGA FedEx ChampionshipExperts release early Ohio State vs. Ball State Week 1 predictions following roster adjustments ahead of Texas showdownNew Polymarket promo code “CLEVE” renews $20 referral promo in time for Guardians-Royals, MLB FridayLearn more about our gaming editorial staff.If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700 or visit 1800gambler.net for more information. 21+ and present in Ohio. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-Gambler. LiveChat with a GameSense Advisor at GameSenseMA.com or call 1-800-GAM-1234 If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.