Bengals vs. Falcons score, live updates: Joe Burrow’s MVP push meets Michael Penix Jr. in Madrid
The Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons will compete in the NFL’s second regular season matchup in Madrid, with kickoff set for 9:30 a.m. ET at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium.
The Bengals (5-2) find themselves in second place in the AFC North as quarterback Joe Burrow continues to play at an MVP level. After the Tennessee Titans nearly upset them in overtime in Week 8, the Bengals have a lot to clean up, however. Burrow threw five touchdown passes but added three picks to the mix, all three going to safety Amani Hooker.
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The Falcons sit on the wrong side of .500 at 3-5, after a disastrous performance from Michael Penix Jr. He threw a career-high four interceptions, completing just 33.3% of pass attempts for 125 yards and no touchdowns in a 16-0 shutout loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 8. Atlanta might not find as much relief as it would like against the Bengals in from week 9 either; Cincinnati’s defense has been productive in the turnover department this year, forcing a turnover on 14.7% of opposing drives, fifth best in the NFL.
Follow Yahoo Sports for live updates, highlights and more as the Bengals and Falcons kick off Week 9 Sunday in Madrid, broadcast on NFL Network.
Chris Cwik
The Falcons were on track for another touchdown, but penalties limited the team to a field goal on its second drive.
The team converted to take a 10-7 lead over the Bengals.
It’s been an encouraging game for the offense so far, as the first three drives resulted in points. The Bengals will look to make it four in a row when the team takes the field for its second practice.
Chris Cwik
You can’t stop Joe Burrow in 2026. You can only hope to contain him.
Burrow struck early in Week 9, finding Ja’Marr Chase on a 47-yard score to tie the game.
The Bengals missed almost every play on the first drive, perhaps a sign of their strategy against the Falcons in Week 9.
At the start there were a lot of goals. We’ll see if that keeps pace with the now tied score 7-7.
Chris Cwik
Well, the Falcons appear to have overcome whatever ailed them in Week 8. The team charged down the field on its first drive Sunday, scoring an early touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.
Michael Penix found tight end Charlie Woerner for a 1-yard score. The extra point was good.
Bijan Robinson’s fantasy managers might be upset about this, but Falcons fans are certainly happy to see the team back on the board after a rough Week 8.
Chris Cwik
Khalil Herbert had a nice return on the Atlanta Falcons’ opening kickoff, but a flag put the team back.
Atlanta looks to bounce back after a tough Week 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Michael Penix threw four interceptions in this contest, which took place in horrible weather.
He’ll need to rebound and score points if the Falcons hope to pull off a win against the fast-paced Bengals.
Kate Magdziuk
Here’s a look at the latest NFL MVP odds, via FanDuel Sportsbook:
Bengals QB Joe Burrow +450
49ers QB Brock Purdy +550
Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence +600
Bears QB Caleb Williams +850
The non-quarterback with the shortest chance of winning NFL MVP is Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, who leads the league in scrimmage yards (1,058), scrimmage touchdowns (10) and rushing yards per game (110.4).
Kate Magdziuk
Point spread: Bengals -3
Moneyline Odds: Bengals -166, Falcons +140
Total points: Over/under 52.5
Kate Magdziuk
Wondering how Joe Burrow’s 2026 campaign compares to his other NFL seasons?
Here’s a look at his numbers this season from his seven seasons in the league:
7.9 yards per attempt: 2nd
111.6 NFL passer rating: 1st
302.1 passing yards per game: 1st
So yes… he’s having a pretty exceptional season.
Matt Harmon
Chris Cwik
The match against Madrid is almost here. These are the players who won’t team up with the Cincinnati Bengals and Atlanta Falcons on the field.
Inactive Cincinnati Bengals:
• S Kyle Dugger
• C. Connor Lew
• OT Myles Hinton
• DT Landon RobinsonAtlanta Falcons inactives:
• Quarterback Andy Dalton
• Brin Jack QB
• Branch WR Zachariah
•CB Billy Bowman Jr.
• CB Robert Longerbeam
• BY Drake Jackson
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