The Bengals vs Falcons matchup brings the NFL back to Madrid on Sunday, November 8, with Cincinnati and Atlanta meeting at the Bernabéu Stadium in the league’s second regular-season game in Spain.
Kickoff is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Eastern time, or 3:30 p.m. local time in Madrid.
The game will be carried nationally in the United States on NFL Network and streamed through NFL+.
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Bengals vs Falcons puts contrasting strengths on display
Cincinnati enters the international matchup with a 5-2 record, while Atlanta is 3-5 through the opening eight weeks of the 2026 season.
The Bengals have won behind an explosive passing attack led by Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins.
Burrow leads the NFL with a 73.0 per cent completion rate, 20 touchdown passes and an average of 302.1 passing yards per game.
Burrow is also coming off a remarkable Week 8 performance against Tennessee in which he passed for 462 yards and five touchdowns while adding a rushing score in Cincinnati’s overtime victory.
Another four-touchdown passing performance would give Burrow at least four touchdown passes in four consecutive regular-season games.
Only Peyton Manning, Dan Marino and Tom Brady have previously achieved that feat.
Atlanta’s defence has not allowed four passing touchdowns in a game this season, creating a direct test between Burrow’s current form and a Falcons unit that has been effective against deep throws.
Bijan Robinson is Atlanta’s central offensive threat
The Falcons will lean heavily on running back Bijan Robinson, who leads the NFL with 780 rushing yards and is averaging 5.2 yards per carry.
Robinson’s production has dipped below 80 rushing yards in each of his last three games, but he remains the focal point of an Atlanta offence that ranks fifth in the league in rushing.
The Bengals’ run defence has allowed 122.3 yards per game this season.
Cincinnati will need a strong performance from its defensive front, including Dexter Lawrence II, to prevent Robinson from creating manageable downs and opening space for play-action passes.
Atlanta quarterback Michael Penix Jr. has started six games this season and has thrown for 1,282 yards, nine touchdowns and five interceptions.
He struggled in the Falcons’ previous game, a 16-0 loss to Tampa Bay in difficult weather conditions, and will face a Cincinnati defence looking to force him into another uncomfortable afternoon.
Key Bengals milestones are also in view
Tee Higgins arrives in Madrid with 49 career receiving touchdowns.
One more would make him the fourth player in Bengals history to reach 50 touchdown catches in fewer than 100 games.
Higgins has also produced 726 receiving yards this season, including three games with at least 140 yards.
Chase gives Cincinnati another major downfield threat, while tight end Mike Gesicki has scored in five consecutive games.
Gesicki could tie the NFL record for consecutive games with a touchdown reception by a tight end if he scores again Sunday.
Rob Gronkowski and Mark Andrews are the only tight ends previously credited with touchdown catches in six straight games during a single season.
What to know about the Madrid game
- Date: Sunday, November 8, 2026
- Venue: Bernabéu Stadium, Madrid
- Kickoff: 9:30 a.m. ET, 3:30 p.m. local time
- Broadcast: NFL Network and NFL+
- Home designation: Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are listed as the home team, although the regular-season contest is being played at Real Madrid’s stadium rather than in Atlanta.
The game is the second official NFL regular-season contest staged in Spain.
The league’s first Madrid game was played in 2025, and Sunday’s matchup is part of a record international schedule spanning multiple countries during the 2026 season.
For Cincinnati, the trip marks the franchise’s third international game and its first overseas appearance since 2019.
Atlanta is playing internationally for the second consecutive season after appearing in Berlin in 2025.
Why the result matters
Cincinnati can improve to 6-2 and strengthen its position in the AFC playoff race with a victory.
Atlanta, meanwhile, needs a win to move back toward contention in the NFC South and halt the momentum lost in its shutout defeat last week.
The unusual early start in North America adds another challenge, but both teams have spent the week preparing in Madrid and adjusting to the international setting.
With Burrow directing one of the league’s most productive passing attacks and Robinson leading Atlanta’s ground game, the matchup offers a clear battle between Cincinnati’s aerial firepower and the Falcons’ ability to control the game on the ground.
The Bengals and Falcons meet at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday, with the result counting toward the regular-season standings.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Bengals vs Falcons game?
The game is scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time.
Where are the Bengals and Falcons playing?
The game will be played at Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.
How can viewers watch Bengals vs Falcons?
The game will air on NFL Network and be available to stream through NFL+.
What are the Bengals and Falcons records?
Cincinnati enters Week 9 at 5-2, while Atlanta is 3-5.
Who are the key players in the matchup?
Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins lead Cincinnati, while Atlanta relies heavily on Bijan Robinson and quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
Fact-Checked: Key schedule, venue, broadcast, records and player-stat details were checked against official NFL and team information. ([operations.nfl.com](https://operations.nfl.com/calendar-events/nfl-important-dates?utm_source=openai))
Disclaimer: Player availability and broadcast details can change before kickoff, so viewers should confirm final game-day updates with the NFL or participating teams.