Experts update Bengals vs. Bucs picks after encouraging Shemar Stewart & Dax Hill news

Cincinnati Bengals defensive tackle Shemar Stewart (94) is carted off the field after suffering an injury during practice at the team's NFL football training camp.AP Photo/Kareem ElgazzarBy Sina Torki | Special CorrespondentThe Cincinnati Bengals host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday, September 13, 2026, with kickoff set for 1:00 PM EDT. Polymarket currently has the Bengals as clear favorites, pricing them at 65¢ to win compared to 36¢ for the Buccaneers, with Cincinnati’s spread sitting at -3.5.Stewart back at practice, but his workload is still to be determinedDefensive end Shemar Stewart returned to practice as a full participant on Wednesday for the first time since hyperextending his left knee during Cincinnati’s opening training camp session on July 29. Head coach Zac Taylor said he won’t rule Stewart out for Sunday’s opener, but added that the team will monitor his progress through the rest of the week before settling on his exact role — meaning his workload against Tampa Bay remains a game-day decision even with his return to practice.Dax Hill clears the injury report entirelyCornerback Dax Hill is not listed on the injury report at all and is expected to play in the opener. Hill missed most of training camp and the preseason with a hamstring/soft-tissue issue, but Taylor has been encouraged by his return to practice, saying Hill has looked really good to his eye. With no designation heading into Sunday, Hill appears to be in line for a full workload in Cincinnati’s secondary.Other roster movesCincinnati also placed tight end Brian Parker II and defensive back Ja’Sir Taylor on injured reserve, both with designations to return later in the season.In light of this development, the data analysts at Dimers updated their Bengals vs Bucs score prediction and player stat projections after conducting new simulations that took into account Cincinnati’s roster updates.The results of Dimers’ simulations were compared to updated sportsbook odds to compile the data-driven Bengals-Bucs preview below.Game detailsTeams: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Cincinnati BengalsDate: Sunday, September 13, 2026Time: 1:00 PM EDTCompetition: NFL Week 1Polymarket oddsMarketSelectionPriceMoneylineCincinnati Bengals65¢MoneylineTampa Bay Buccaneers36¢SpreadBengals -3.550¢SpreadBuccaneers +3.551¢TotalOver 50.549¢TotalUnder 50.552¢NFL Prediction market sign-up bonusesBengals vs. Bucs 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?September Sign-Up BonusVerified Promo CodesPolymarketYes$50CUSE, MASS, OREGON, SILIVEKalshiYes$25SYRACUSE, OREGONLIVE1, MASSLIVE1, SILIVEThe bottom lineWith Hill cleared outright and Stewart trending in the right direction even if his exact snap count is still unsettled, Cincinnati’s defense looks to be rounding into shape just in time for kickoff. Combined with the roster reinforcements lost to IR in Parker and Taylor, Sunday’s opener will be the first real look at how the retooled unit holds up against a Tampa Bay offense looking to spoil the Bengals’ home opener.These prices and injury designations reflect the latest information at the time of publication and are subject to change as Cincinnati finalizes its Week 1 status report.Polymarket 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.Kalshi extends $25 NFL promo code “CLEVELAND” past 49ers vs. RamsNew Polymarket promo code “CLEVE” upgrades $50 referral promo in time for 49ers vs RamsData projections predict a 25-24 nail-biter: What Polymarket shows for No. 1 Ohio State at No. 4 TexasExperts release updated Michigan vs. Oklahoma prediction ahead of CFB Week 2Polymarket referral code “CLEVE” updates $50 bonus in OH for Patriots vs Seahawks tonightLearn 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.