The Cincinnati Bengals crossed the Atlantic and left no doubt. In Madrid, Joe Burrow and company routed the Atlanta Falcons 34-17, a performance that stretched across all four quarters. For Ohio online sports betting fans, the result was even sweeter. Cincinnati entered as a 3.5-point favorite and shattered that spread, winning by 17 and covering by more than 13 points. Anyone who backed the Bengals cashed in comfortably.
A Shootout Becomes a Second-Quarter Takeover
Atlanta struck first. Michael Penix Jr. found Charlie Woerner for a touchdown, and the Falcons briefly held the early edge. Cincinnati answered quickly. Burrow launched a 47-yard strike to Ja’Marr Chase, tying the game and reminding Atlanta how fast this offense can change a game. The Falcons regained the lead on a 31-yard field goal from Nick Folk, making it 10-7.
That would be the last time Atlanta led. The second quarter turned disastrous for the Falcons. Burrow took matters into his own hands, rushing for a touchdown to put Cincinnati in front. He then went back to his favorite red zone target, hitting Tee Higgins for a four-yard score. Evan McPherson capped the quarter with a booming 57-yard field goal, and the Bengals carried a commanding 24-10 lead into the half.
Atlanta Tries to Answer, Burrow Shuts the Door
The Falcons did not go quietly. Bijan Robinson punched in a rushing touchdown in the second half, trimming the deficit to 24-17 and giving the crowd in Madrid a reason to believe in a comeback. Cincinnati never flinched.
Burrow responded with a poised drive and found Higgins down the middle for an eight-yard touchdown, pushing the lead back to 31-17. The score deflated Atlanta’s rally. McPherson then connected on a 43-yard field goal to close out the 34-17 victory, his second long kick of the day and a fitting final punctuation mark.
Big Divisional Showdown Looms
The win lifts Cincinnati to 6-2 and ties them with the Pittsburgh Steelers atop the AFC North. Pittsburgh is on a bye this week, which means the Bengals have a chance to take sole possession of first place with a win in a hurry.
They will get that chance next Sunday in Cincinnati, where the Steelers come to town for a showdown with plenty on the line. The division lead, tiebreaker positioning, and playoff momentum are all on the line. Cincinnati is currently favored by 3.5 points, the same number it blew past in Madrid. Ohio sports betting apps will surely be busy all week as fans weigh whether the Bengals can cover again against their fiercest rival.
If Burrow, Chase and Higgins bring the same energy they showed overseas, the Steelers will have their hands full. After a statement win in Spain, the Bengals now return home with a chance to make an even bigger one.
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