The Cincinnati Bengals' 2026 season is already generating buzz, with the NFL announcing a Week 9 showdown in Spain against the Atlanta Falcons—well ahead of the full schedule release on May 14. But as fans start planning for that November trip to Madrid, one big question looms: Will the Bengals automatically get a Week 10 bye to recover from the international travel?

Not so fast. While it's common for teams to enjoy a bye week after playing abroad, the NFL schedule-makers now have more flexibility. According to NFL Operations, they "will consider the three-week window around the international games to try to find ways to make lengthy travel less of a burden on the teams." That means a bye is no longer a guaranteed perk—it's just one of many factors in the scheduling puzzle.

This shift reflects the league's growing global footprint. For the 2026 season, the NFL has lined up games in Australia, Brazil, France, Mexico, and Germany, plus three contests in England. So while Bengals fans might hope for that Week 10 breather to rest up and sport their team gear after a historic game, they'll have to wait for the official schedule to see how it all unfolds.

For now, mark your calendars for a potentially thrilling matchup in Spain—and keep an eye on that bye week news as the season approaches. Whether you're prepping for game day or just looking to rep your Bengals pride, staying informed is key to making the most of the journey.