The NFL returns to Spain this Sunday as the Atlanta Falcons and Cincinnati Bengals meet at the Santiago Bernabéu in Madrid for the league's second consecutive international game at the venue.
Game Details
Date: Sunday, Nov. 8 | Time: 9:30 a.m. ET | Location: Bernabéu (Madrid) | TV: NFL Network, stream on fubo | Odds: Bengals -3, Over/Under 52.5 via DraftKings Sportsbook.
Key Storylines
The Bengals are searching for their first win outside the United States in franchise history, having gone 0-1-1 in two previous international appearances, most recently in 2019. The Falcons, 2-3 in games abroad, lost in Berlin last season and aim to reach .500 on foreign soil. Cincinnati enters on a three-game winning streak, scoring at least 31 points in each victory, while Atlanta has lost two of its last three and was shut out in its most recent outing.
Both teams remain in division contention. The Falcons sit a half-game behind the NFC South lead, a division with no team at or above .500. The Bengals are also a half-game back in the AFC North, where three teams hold winning records.
Bijan Robinson and Drake London bounce-back: The Falcons' top running back-wide receiver duo was held scoreless in rainy conditions against Tampa Bay. Robinson leads the NFL with 780 rushing yards, and London ranks sixth with 624 receiving yards. They face a Bengals defense that allowed 36 points to the Tennessee Titans.
Tee Higgins reaches new level: Higgins has matched Ja'Marr Chase with 61 targets and 43 catches through seven games, but his 726 receiving yards rank second in the NFL behind only Jaxon Smith-Njigba. This is the most efficient version of Higgins seen to date.
James Pearce Jr. season debut: The second-year pass rusher returns from an eight-game suspension for a personal conduct policy violation. Atlanta's defense ranks sixth in quarterback pressure rate without him; Pearce recorded 10.5 sacks as a rookie despite starting only three games.
Joe Burrow on MVP pace: Burrow leads the league with 20 touchdown passes and a 111.6 passer rating, just 0.1 points off the NFL lead. Only Josh Allen and Brock Purdy have shorter MVP odds. The Falcons contained Purdy two weeks ago, but Burrow presents a greater challenge with a healthier supporting cast.
Prediction
This matchup has all the makings of a shootout. Cincinnati's offense is averaging 36.3 points per game since Oct. 11, and five of the league's biggest stars — Burrow, Chase, Higgins, London, and Robinson — will be on display. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. should rebound from an 8-for-24 performance in the rain. In a high-scoring affair, the team with the more reliable defense holds the edge. Atlanta's defense is more consistent and gains a disruptive pass rusher in Pearce, who could make the difference against the NFL's top quarterback. Pick: Falcons 34, Bengals 30.
