The Cincinnati Bengals beat the Atlanta Falcons 34-17 in Madrid on Sunday, November 8, 2026, extending a scoring run; the victory also moved them into a tie atop the AFC North. Denver held off Carolina to remain first in the AFC West, while the New York Giants stayed top of the NFC East after beating Philadelphia.

Cincinnati’s offense keeps producing

Quarterback Joe Burrow led four scoring drives in the first half against Atlanta, completing 82% of his passes for 239 yards. Receiver Ja’Marr Chase caught eight passes for 142 yards and a touchdown before halftime, then finished with 155 yards and a touchdown on 10 catches.

The Bengals have now scored at least 30 points in four consecutive games for the first time in franchise history. Atlanta, by contrast, allowed 7.1 yards per play and forced only two punts. The Falcons also committed 12 accepted penalties for 88 yards; a holding call near Cincinnati’s 10-yard line helped turn a third-and-2 into a fourth-and-12, and Atlanta missed a 38-yard field goal.

Denver holds on after Carolina’s comeback

Carolina erased an early deficit and took a 14-13 lead, but a late interception by Denver safety Devon Key stopped the Panthers from extending it. The Broncos answered with two straight touchdown drives to move ahead 26-14 in the fourth quarter.

The Panthers scored again to close the gap, then advanced on their final drive before Denver’s Nik Bonitto sacked quarterback Bryce Young and knocked the ball loose. Bonitto forced a fumble and held on for the win.

Late scores shape the standings

New Orleans beat Cleveland 23-22 in overtime. After the Saints scored on their first possession, Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to tight end Harold Fannin Jr.; Cleveland’s two-point attempt failed. Sanders finished with 297 passing yards and two touchdown passes.

Dallas also pulled out a close win, beating Indianapolis 27-23 after the Colts erased a 20-10 deficit. The Cowboys scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:08 left, and Caleb Downs intercepted quarterback Daniel Jones to end Indianapolis’ final attempt. Elsewhere, Kansas City beat the Jets 35-12, Detroit beat Miami 19-9, the Rams beat Washington 20-13, and the Giants beat the Eagles 19-11. The Giants’ win in Philadelphia was their first there in 13 years.

After Sunday’s games, Cincinnati was 6-2, level with Pittsburgh atop the AFC North, and Denver led the AFC West at 7-2. The Giants were first in the NFC East at 5-2-1. The Rams stood second in the NFC West at 5-4; Detroit was 6-2, level with Chicago, while Minnesota led the NFC North at 6-1.