In both team’s first action of the 2021 season, the Cincinnati Bengals will travel down to Florida to take on the Super Bowl-winning Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. ET with the game being held at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa Bay, FL. Below, we look at the Bengals vs. Buccaneers odds and lines, and make our best NFL picks, predictions and bets.
The Bengals will be without QB Joe Burrow in this preseason game. He tore his ACL in Week 11 of the 2020 season. While expected to be back for Week 1, he’ll be watching from the side in this one.
For Cincinnati, the offensive line’s competency, revamped defense and increasing weaponry on offense will be what to watch for. But without a steady quarterback, they may struggle to get much on the board.
For Tampa Bay, future first-ballot Hall of Famer Tom Brady is expected to play. With a championship-caliber roster returning, they’ll be the heavy favorites even if the most impactful don’t take many snaps.
Bengals at Buccaneers odds, spread and lines
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:00 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Bengals +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Buccaneers -280 (bet $280 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Bengals +5.5 (-105) | Buccaneers -5.5 (-115)
- Total: 33.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)
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Bengals at Buccaneers odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Buccaneers 24, Bengals 10
Money line
PASS on the money line because the value for both sides really isn’t there.
The Bucs are coming off a Super Bowl, and with wide receivers like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown on the roster, there is ample talent to dominant Cincinnati.
However, with that -280, I wouldn’t put money on them in a preseason game they certainly won’t put much stock in.
Against the spread
BET on the BUCCANEERS -5.5 (-115) as the best team bet. Brady is going to play, and having a competent starting quarterback is more than Cincinnati can say. Just one drive by Brady could easily result in an easy 7-0 start.
The Bengals used backup QB Brandon Allen last season following Burrow’s injury. He was unimpressive throwing four interceptions and five touchdowns.
They don’t have much outside of Burrow, and despite potentially having the best three-man trio of receivers in the league, it could still result in a struggling offense.
LB Devin White, DE Ndamukong Suh, RB Leonard Fournette and many others make an ultra-talented roster for the Bucs. Expect the Bucs to be able to run up the score even with their backups in place.
Over/Under
“LEAN” to the OVER 33.5 (-115) as the Buccaneers have depth all over the offensive side of the ball. Along those lines, the Bengals have a handful of skilled players looking to make a name for themselves.
Allen should’ve been getting reps behind Burrow, and with receivers like Tee Higgins, Ja’Marr Chase and Tyler Boyd, there’s no reason Cincinnati can’t put some points on the board.
RB Joe Mixon is healthy as well, and with a new offensive line coach in Cincinnati, they expect him to have an easy time running the ball.
If the Bengals can get points on the board and Brady gets at least one drive for the Bucs, the much better bet in this one is the Over 33.5. Also, the Bucs are returning most of their third-best offense in the NFL last season.
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