Bengals’ upcoming international game won’t stop them from enjoying a clear advantage of their 2026 schedule

The Cincinnati Bengals are playing in Europe this season for the first time in seven years. They will still be traveling fewer miles compared to the average NFL club despite their trip across the pond.

John Sheeran — Cincinnati Bengals News Writer
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Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and head coach Zac Taylor talk with wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) on the bench after a drive in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. The Bengals remain winless after a 38-33 loss to Washington.
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) and head coach Zac Taylor talk with wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) on the bench after a drive in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 3 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Washington Commanders at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Monday, Sept. 23, 2024. The Bengals remain winless after a 38-33 loss to Washington. © Sam Greene/The Enquirer / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Cincinnati Bengals have been selected to play in Madrid, Spain later this year against the Atlanta Falcons. It will be their third-ever international trip, and the first of the Joe Burrow era.

Despite the transatlantic flight set for early November, Cincinnati will still be traveling fewer miles this year than most NFL clubs.

The Bengals will travel 15,177 air miles during the 2026 season. 23 other clubs will travel further in comparison.

Jet lag won’t be too much of an issue for the 2026 Bengals

Cincinnati will not travel a greater distance this season than its 8,000+ mile roundtrip to and from Madrid. The reality is there won’t be many long flights outside of that week.

The Bengals’ road opponents aside from the Falcons are as follows:

  • Baltimore Ravens
  • Cleveland Browns
  • Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Indianapolis Colts
  • Houston Texans
  • Miami Dolphins
  • Washington Commanders
  • Carolina Panthers

Houston and Miami are decent distances away from Cincy, but there are no West Coast trips on the docket this year.

Playing on the road in the first place hasn’t been much trouble for the Bengals with Burrow. Including the postseason, Cincinnati is 25-18-1 with its starting QB under center in a hostile environment. Its road record since 2024 with Burrow starting is an impressive 9-4.

Week 9’s game in Spain will be a neutral site, but the Falcons are listed as the home team. The Bengals will have eight home games, and eight “true” road games along with their trip overseas.

When will the rest of the Bengals’ schedule be released?

The entire 2026 NFL schedule will be revealed May 14 at 8:00 p.m. ET. Check out our schedule predictions below!

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