Predicted Stat Line: Buccaneers LB Alex Anzalone vs Cincinnati

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will open the 2026 season Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.

Alex Anzalone enters his first season with Tampa Bay after spending the previous five seasons with the Detroit Lions. He also enters the season as one of the Buccaneers’ six team captains.

Anzalone has consistently been a productive tackler throughout his career. He recorded 95 tackles, 2.5 sacks and one interception during the 2025 season.

Predicted Stat Line for Alex Anzalone vs Cincinnati Bengals

– Tackles: 7-10
– Sacks: 0-0.5
– Interceptions: 0-1
– Pass Deflections: 0-1

Key Factors Influencing

– Anzalone should immediately play an important role in the middle of Tampa Bay’s defense.

– His experience gives the Buccaneers a veteran presence against Cincinnati’s offensive attack.

– Cincinnati’s passing game could create opportunities for Anzalone to make plays in coverage.

– His tackling ability should make him particularly active against Cincinnati’s skill-position players.

Final Stat Predictions

– Tackles: 8
– Sacks: 0
– Interceptions: 0
– Pass Deflections: 1

Anzalone has an opportunity to make an immediate impact in his first game with Tampa Bay.

His experience and leadership should be valuable against Cincinnati’s talented offense. As one of Tampa Bay’s captains, Anzalone will also have plenty of responsibility from the opening snap.

Prediction: Eight tackles, zero sacks, zero interceptions and one pass deflection.