For the first time in the Joe Burrow era, the Cincinnati Bengals will be playing a game on foreign soil! In the lead-up to this year’s schedule release, some International Series matchups have begun to “leak.” This year, the Bengals will be suiting up against the Atlanta Falcons in Madrid, Spain, for their Week 9 matchup.
The NFL schedule is set to be released Thursday, May 14, but that has not stopped the insiders and “insiders” from leaking each and every crumb of information they get their hands on. This bit of information, however, is straight from the NFL.
Bengals, Falcons to Play in Madrid
Earlier in the offseason, the NFL announced the “home” teams for the various international games. When they announced that the Washington Commanders would be “hosting” a game in London, Cincinnati was put on notice, as they are scheduled to play at Washington in 2026. Of course, it was announced that the Falcons would “host” a game in Madrid, another team on the Bengals’ schedule.
Well, now that it’s official, let’s look at the history of the Bengals playing overseas. Prior to this season, the Bengals had only played two international games. Realistically, they were due and should have expected to be selected in 2026.
In the more recent of the two matchups, the Bengals lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 24-10, in Wembley Stadium in London. The 2019 season was not exactly a fun one for the Bengals as they finished 2-14. However, that pitiful showing allowed them to draft Joe Burrow first overall, so, even trade. In that game, the Bengals dropped their eighth straight game to start the season. Andy Dalton and Jared Goff combined to throw the ball 83 times for over 700 yards and three scores. Overall, the Bengals were just overmatched as Cooper Kupp, in a bit of foreshadowing, dominated with seven catches, 220 yards, and a touchdown.
In the other matchup, the Bengals tied with the now-Washington Commanders, 27-27, back in 2016. It was not the greatest showing from the Bengals as they failed to win the game on a number of occasions. In overtime, the two teams traded punts, Washington missed a field goal, the Bengals fumbled it back, and then time ran out.
All-time, the Bengals are 10-5 against the Falcons, and 4-3 away from home. Cincinnati is riding a three-game winning streak, victorious in 2022, 2018, and 2014. These two teams have played three more times since 2000. In those three matchups – 2010, 2006, and 2002 – Atlanta was victorious.
More: Cincinnati Bengals 2026 NFL Draft Grades
2026 Foes
For this year’s slate, the Bengals will get to face off against all of the AFC North twice, the AFC South, the NFC South, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs (at home), Miami Dolphins (in Miami), and Washington Commanders (in DC). Based on last year’s results, the Bengals have the third-easiest schedule in the NFL. Of course, they had a last-place schedule in 2024…and missed the playoffs.
Main Image: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
