By Jacob Halbesma, Local and National Section Editor 

One of the NFL’s most explosive teams walked out of Spain victorious after a historic international clash with the Atlanta Falcons, transforming Real Madrid’s iconic Santiago Bernabéu Stadium into the epicenter of the football world. 

Midway through the 2026 NFL regular season, the Cincinnati Bengals currently hold a 6-2 record, sitting in second place in the AFC North as they enter Week 9. Led by eighth-year head coach Zac Taylor, the team rode a three-game win streak into November. 

The Bengals started the season off at 2-0, picking up key wins after hosting the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1, then going on the road to defeat the Houston Texans. However, their momentum could not carry them to victory, as they fell to 2-2 after dropping games in Pittsburgh against the Steelers and at home against an impressive Jacksonville Jaguars squad on Xavier University Day at the stadium. 

After taking care of the Miami Dolphins in Week 5 and utilizing their bye week to prepare, they came out of their Week 6 bye with two nail-biting wins against their division rival Baltimore Ravens and a surprisingly exciting game versus the underwhelming Tennessee Titans. 

In their Week 7 victory against the Ravens, star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase gave a fiery speech during halftime after a lackluster first half left them trailing 13-0. The Bengals went on to score 35 unanswered points in the second half, securing a dominant 35-13 win and their first divisional win of the year. 

In Week 8, their win against the Titans came on the back of another Joe Burrow masterclass, a 462-passing yard, six touchdown explosion that carried the Bengals to an overtime win. The Bengals have been no stranger to these levels of elite offensive output, as they have catapulted to second in the league in scoring, averaging 29.4 points per game through eight weeks. 

“I expect us to be a top four seed but could potentially finish as the number one seed in the AFC if Joe Burrow continues to play at an elite level and finishes near the top of the MVP race,” sophomore psychology major and Bengals fan Brayden Spriggs said. 

None of Burrow’s production would be possible without someone to catch his passes. Top wide receiver duo Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have been on a tear to open the regular season, putting up career-best stats. As of Week 8, Higgins is currently second in the league in total receiving yards, and Chase is tied for second with Bengals tight end Mike Gesicki for total receiving touchdowns. 

On the other side of the ball, the Bengals defense finally began to shine after years of disappointing performances. Their gamble of trading the No. 10 overall draft pick to acquire three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II from the New York Giants has paid off so far, as Lawrence has racked up five sacks and a fumble recovery in seven games.  

Defensive end Boye Mafe has broken out to begin the year, leading the team with 5.5 sacks and keeping the team on pace to break their 2012 franchise single-season sack record. 

“I think they have a good chance to make a playoff run, but they need to tighten up defensively if they want to keep winning,” sophomore exercise science major Dylan Kramer said. 

Looking forward, The Bengals will have back-to-back primetime games in Weeks 10 and 11, attempting to avenge their Week 3 loss against the Steelers and defeat the Washington Commanders on Sunday Night Football. 

Fans have raised their expectations on the team this year and hope for another playoff push that results in a Super Bowl appearance for Burrow and coach Taylor. 

Their Week 9 game against the Steelers will kick off at 8:20p.m. EST on Sunday, Nov. 15 at Paycor Stadium, and will be live on NBC.