Predicted Stat Line: Buccaneers OLB Yaya Diaby vs Cincinnati

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

Yaya Diaby enters the season as an important piece of Tampa Bay’s pass rush. The fourth-year edge rusher will face a Cincinnati offense led by quarterback Joe Burrow.

Diaby has the athleticism to create problems from the edge throughout the game. His ability to generate pressure could become especially important against Cincinnati’s passing attack.

Predicted Stat Line for Yaya Diaby vs Cincinnati Bengals

– Tackles: 4-6
– Sacks: 1
– Forced Fumbles: 0-1
– Quarterback Hits: 2-3

Key Factors Influencing

– Diaby gives Tampa Bay another proven pass-rushing threat alongside its other defensive linemen.

– Cincinnati’s passing attack should give Tampa Bay’s edge rushers opportunities to attack the quarterback.

– Diaby’s speed off the edge can create pressure before Burrow has time to work through his progressions.

– Tampa Bay could benefit from interior pressure forcing Cincinnati’s protection to account for multiple threats.

Final Stat Predictions

– Tackles: 5
– Sacks: 1
– Forced Fumbles: 1
– Quarterback Hits: 3

Diaby has an opportunity to make his presence felt immediately in Tampa Bay’s season opener.

The Buccaneers will need consistent pressure against Burrow and Cincinnati’s talented passing attack. Diaby could be one of the players capable of disrupting that rhythm.

Prediction: Five tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and three quarterback hits.