The NFL returns to international soil in Week 9 with the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals set to clash at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid on Sunday, November 8 at 9:30 a.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on NFL Network and streamed on fubo. Cincinnati enters as a 3-point favorite with an over/under of 52.5, per DraftKings Sportsbook.
International History and Division Context
The Bengals are searching for their first victory outside the United States in franchise history, having gone 0-1-1 in two previous international appearances, the most recent in 2019. The Falcons are 2-3 in games abroad and lost in Berlin last season. Both teams remain in contention in their divisions: Atlanta sits a half-game behind the NFC South lead, a division with no team at or above .500 through the first two months. Cincinnati is also a half-game back in the AFC North, where three teams hold winning records.
Key Storylines
Bijan Robinson and Drake London bounce-back opportunity: The Falcons' top running back-wide receiver duo was held scoreless in a rain-soaked loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. Robinson leads the league in rushing with 780 yards, while London ranks sixth in receiving yards with 624. They face a Bengals defense that allowed 36 points to the Tennessee Titans in its last outing.
Tee Higgins reaches new echelon: Higgins has matched Ja'Marr Chase with 61 targets and 43 catches through seven games but has been more efficient, amassing 726 receiving yards — second in the NFL behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This represents the best version of Higgins to date, on pace for historic production.
James Pearce Jr. makes season debut: The second-year pass rusher has been reinstated after serving an eight-game suspension for a personal conduct policy violation. Pearce recorded 10.5 sacks as a rookie despite starting only three games. His addition could boost a Falcons defensive front that already ranks sixth in quarterback pressure rate.
Joe Burrow on MVP pace: Burrow leads the NFL with 20 touchdown passes and owns a 111.6 passer rating, just 0.1 points off the league lead. Only Josh Allen and Brock Purdy have shorter MVP odds. The Falcons previously contained Purdy in an upset of the 49ers, but Burrow presents a greater challenge with a healthier supporting cast.
Prediction
With five of the league's biggest offensive stars — Burrow, Chase, Higgins, London, and Robinson — on display, a shootout is expected. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. should rebound from an 8-for-24 performance in the rain. Atlanta's more reliable defense, bolstered by Pearce's debut against arguably the NFL's best quarterback, provides the edge in a high-variance matchup. Pick: Falcons 34, Bengals 30.
