The NFL returns to Spain in Week 9 as the Atlanta Falcons face off against the Cincinnati Bengals at the iconic Bernabéu stadium on November 8. This matchup marks Cincinnati's quest for its first international victory, having gone 0-1-1 in previous overseas games since 2019. Meanwhile, Atlanta aims to even its international record, currently standing at 2-3 abroad.

Cincinnati enters the game riding a three-game win streak, scoring at least 31 points in each victory, although two of those came against lower-tier teams. The Falcons, conversely, have struggled recently, losing two of their last three games and failing to score in their last outing.

Key Storylines

• Bijan Robinson and Drake London look to bounce back after a tough outing against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where they struggled to make an impact. Robinson leads the league with 780 rushing yards, while London ranks sixth in receiving yards with 624.

• Tee Higgins has emerged as a key player for the Bengals, matching Ja'Marr Chase in targets and receptions but outpacing him in yardage with 726 yards, ranking second in the NFL.

• James Pearce Jr. will make his season debut for Atlanta after serving an eight-game suspension. His return is expected to bolster a defensive unit that ranks sixth in quarterback pressure rate.

• Joe Burrow is having an MVP-caliber season, leading the league with 20 touchdowns and boasting a passer rating of 111.6. The Falcons' defense will face a significant challenge in containing him.

Game Prediction

Expect a high-scoring affair, with both teams showcasing their offensive firepower. The Bengals have been explosive lately, averaging 36.3 points per game since mid-October. However, Atlanta's defense could tip the scales, especially with Pearce's return. The predicted final score is Falcons 34, Bengals 30, promising an exciting matchup for fans in Madrid.