We’re gearing up for our first NFL Sunday of the season, and there’s a shootout on the cards in the early slate. Baker Mayfield and a talented Tampa Bay offense head on the road to face a Cincinnati offense loaded with superstar performers. Will Ja’Marr Chase, Joe Burrow, and the Bengals pile up the points? Or will the Buccaneers plunder a road win?
Cincinnati is a 3.5-point home favorite with -205 moneyline odds on DraftKings Sportsbook. Tampa Bay is a +170 underdog, with the game total set at O/U 50.5 points.
Let’s dive into the top player prop bets for Sunday’s clash between the Buccaneers and the Bengals.
Buccaneers vs. Bengals NFL Player Prop Bets
Baker Mayfield 2+ Touchdown Passes (-106)
Consistency has been the key for Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay. Heading into his fourth season with the Buccaneers, Mayfield has yet to miss a start under center. In 30 of his 51 starts, Mayfield has thrown for at least two scores and tends to eat in big matchups.
Last season, the Bengals allowed 33 touchdowns through the air, the third-most in the NFL. They haven’t done much to improve that secondary; four of their five starters are returners, including all three cornerbacks. Though the health in Mayfield’s receiving room could be a whole lot better, Emeka Egbuka’s presence should draw more attention than Cincinnati can handle, and they’ll get cooking both downfield and in the red zone.
Chase Brown Under 58.5 Total Rushing Yards (-113)
2025 was the season when Chase Brown fully took hold of Cincinnati’s running back room, posting his first 1,000-yard rushing season. But it wasn’t a high-volume campaign, with 232 carries in 17 games. Brown handled 15+ carries in only six of the Bengals’ 17 games, as the coaching staff ensured he’d be fresh for passing-down work. Though his floor is awfully high, there’s not a ton of game-to-game ceiling for Brown.
This isn’t the kind of matchup where he can hit that ceiling. Tampa Bay’s run defense, led by immense defensive tackle Vita Vea, was one of the best in the league last year. However, their secondary was one of the worst, and the Bengals plan to expose it ruthlessly. Brown will be an important cog in Joe Burrow’s passing machine alongside Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but the volume likely won’t be there on the ground.
