The Cincinnati Bengals are gearing up for a what seems to be an exciting 2026 NFL season. The NFL announced Cincy will square off against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain.
The Cincinnati Bengals can be one of the more exciting NFL teams due to their high-powered offense. Ja’Maar Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown all highlight a loaded Cincinnati Bengals offense. They will be up against an up-and-coming Atlanta Falcons team with something to prove.
“The National Football League announced today that the Cincinnati Bengals will play the Atlanta Falcons in the 2026 NFL Madrid Game on Sunday, Nov. 8 (Week 9).” An NFL article says. “Hosted in partnership with the Comunidad de Madrid and City of Madrid, the game will be played at the Bernabéu Stadium – home to Real Madrid C.F. Kickoff will be 3:30 p.m. CET/ 9:30 a.m. ET.”
Cincy Brings Star Power to Matchup
Anytime Joe Burrow and the high-powered Cincinnati Bengals offense take the field, it’s always a must watch. Burrow is coming off an injury-riddled season after missing nearly three months due to a turf toe injury.
During the 2024 season, the Bengals had the first-ranked passing offense in the NFL off of an impressive season from Joe Burrow. In 2025, they ranked 6th with Joe Burrow being out for the vast majority of the season.
Despite the Bengals not having much downfield success, Chase and Higgins are still putting up good numbers individually. Chase is coming off a vintage 2025 season where he was named First Team All-Pro, hauling in 125 catches for 1,412 yards and eight touchdowns. Tee Higgins had 59 catches for 846 yards and scored 11 touchdowns in 15 games.
“The NFL looks at Madrid and Spain as a whole as a major growth market. Last year a huge success. Selecting the Bengals to be the team that goes there and faces the Falcons is a statement on the belief in Cincinnati and Burrow and Chase as two of the faces of the league.” ESPN’s Peter Shrager wrote on his official X account.
The Cincinnati Bengals Have Adjusted Their Defense
Cincinnati’s defense has struggled in the past three years. Despite being loaded offensively, the team just can’t seem to shake their defensive woes.
In 2024, the Bengals ranked 25th in total defense. They ranked 21st in passing defense and 19th in rushing defense. Cincinnati allowed 25 points per game in 2024 and gave up 348 yards a game to opposing teams.
The Cincinnati Bengals ranked 26th in passing defense in 2025. Their inconsistent play in the secondary has lost the team a lot of games. They ranked 31st in total defense in 2025 and 32nd in rushing defense which is dead last.
Cincy have made moves this offeason to improve their pass rush. The Cincinnati Bengals signed DT Jonathan Allen to a two-year, $26 million contract worth a maximum of $28 million. Last season with the Vikings, Allen ended up playing in all 17 games. In his only season with the Minnesota Vikings, he racked up 68 total tackles to go along with 3.5 sacks and a fumble recovery.
In a blockbuster trade, the Bengals traded their 2026 first round pick to the New York Giants for Dexter Lawrence. Lawrence has been a dominant run-stuffer since coming into the league.
The Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals matchup should be a fun one considering both teams got better this offseason.
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