The Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals are set to meet in Madrid, Spain, on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with kickoff scheduled for 15:30 CET at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The game, part of the NFL’s international series, will be broadcast on RTL and via Game Pass International on DAZN, available with both German and English commentary.
The Falcons are seeking rebound after a 0-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “After what we experienced last Sunday, you want to put that behind you as quickly as possible,” said Falcons wide receiver Jahan Dotson.
The stakes are high for both franchises. The Bengals are favored to win, with ESPN giving them a 77.5% chance of victory. BetMGM Sportsbook lists Cincinnati as a 3.5-point favorite, with the over/under for the game set at 51 points. The Falcons, meanwhile, are underdogs despite their defense having held opponents to under 21 points in each of their last two games. Head Coach Kevin Stefanski acknowledged the challenge of facing Cincinnati’s high-powered offense. “It’s just a different animal when you’re going against Joe Burrow and this offense, with everything they’re capable of and how they play,” he said.
Bengals’ Offensive Firepower on Display
The Bengals’ offense is led by quarterback Joe Burrow, who has firmly established himself as an MVP candidate. In Week 8 against the Tennessee Titans, Burrow threw for more than 400 yards for the second time this season, accounting for six touchdowns—five passing and one rushing—though he also threw three interceptions. His primary targets, wide receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, are among the league’s best. Chase has 492 receiving yards and six touchdowns through eight weeks, while Higgins leads the team with 726 receiving yards, though he has only four touchdowns. Tight end Mike Gesicki has emerged as a key threat, catching a touchdown in each of the last five games.
Falcons safety Xavier Watts knows his defense must limit the Bengals’ explosive plays. “Joe Burrow is a great quarterback, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase are great receivers,” Watts said. “You just have to limit their explosive plays. They are an explosive offense, and that’s what it’s about on defense: limit their big plays and, as I said, try to force turnovers and get them out of rhythm.”
The Bengals’ offensive line presents a matchup question. While rookie offensive tackle Amarius Mims has played well, veteran Orlando Brown Jr. has struggled at left tackle. Pass rusher James Pearce Jr., returning from an eight-game NFL suspension, could be a key factor. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich confirmed Pearce Jr. will primarily play a pass-rush role on second-and-long situations and third downs.
Falcons Search for Offensive Identity
Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had the worst game of his career against Tampa Bay, throwing four interceptions.
The Falcons’ success will likely depend on their ability to establish a consistent run game. The team has struggled when its run-heavy offense stalls, as seen in losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tampa Bay. The Bengals’ defense ranks sixth in the league against the run. Controlling the clock and keeping Burrow off the field will be a key priority for Atlanta.
Weather could play a role in the game. Forecasts suggest a possibility of rain, though the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, like the Falcons’ home stadium, features a retractable roof that can be closed in inclement weather.
Defenses Aim to Pressure Opponents
Several key matchups will determine the outcome of the game. The Falcons’ defensive line, led by nose tackle Dexter Lawrence, will look to pressure Penix Jr. On the other side, the Falcons’ defensive backfield must find a way to contain Chase and Higgins and generate turnovers to offset the Bengals’ offensive firepower.
The team flew to Madrid in the middle of the night and held practices at the “Ciudad Real Madrid,” the training facility of the Spanish football club Real Madrid.
The Falcons have also organized fan events in Madrid to build excitement for the game. For more information on these events, fans can visit the team’s official website.
Teams Prepare for Next Match
The winner of this game will gain significant momentum as both teams head into the final stretch of the regular season. For the Falcons, a win would be a crucial step in their playoff push, while a loss could effectively end their postseason hopes. The Bengals, on the other hand, will look to continue their winning streak and strengthen their position as one of the top teams in the AFC. The next scheduled game for both teams will be on November 15, 2026, after their trip to Madrid.
