Bengals Surge as Ravens and Falcons Face Setbacks

Cincinnati’s offense delivered a dominant performance against Atlanta in Madrid on November 8, strengthening the Bengals’ position atop the AFC North at 6–2. Joe Burrow passed for 271 yards and three touchdowns. Ja’Marr Chase produced 142 receiving yards and a score in the first half, while Tee Higgins caught two touchdown passes. The Bengals scored on every first-half possession, and the Falcons’ secondary gave up 187 yards and three scores to Chase and Higgins combined.

Atlanta fell to 3–5 after losing its second straight game. The Falcons had been shut out 16–0 by Tampa Bay the previous week, with Michael Penix Jr. throwing four interceptions. Atlanta now returns home to prepare for a game against Kansas City.

Baltimore, meanwhile, is expected to be without quarterback Lamar Jackson for six to nine weeks after surgery on his broken right thumb. The Ravens are 4–5, and their next opponents include Los Angeles, Carolina and Houston, followed by a Week 13 bye. They acquired Jacoby Brissett from Arizona, but face a difficult stretch as they try to remain in playoff contention. The NFL trade deadline is November 10, with Cincinnati and Atlanta both facing questions about their defenses.