The Atlanta Falcons have gone 3-5 through their first eight games of the 2026 NFL season, but we still aren't exactly what to make of this team under head coach Kevin Stefanski. After losing their first two games with Cooper Rush at quarterback, the Falcons reeled off two straight wins upon Michael Penix Jr.'s return to the lineup.

Penix has played well in five out of his six starts, but he played arguably the worst game of his career in Atlanta's Week 8 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The third-year quarterback will look to bounce back in Week 9, as the Falcons face the Cincinnati Bengals in Madrid, Spain.

The Bengals are rightfully favored in Week 9, having won three straight games and putting up nearly 30 points per contest. At 5-2, Cincinnati will look to keep the pressure on the first-place Pittsburgh Steeelers in the AFC South.

The Falcons are hoping to get edge rusher James Pearce Jr. back this week, but the former Defensive Rookie of the Year finalist is questionable to play with a back injury. Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich already stated that Pearce would be eased in, so don't expect to see him in the starting lineup - assuming he plays.

Check out Atlanta's projected starting lineups on offense, defense and special teams for Sunday's game against the Bengals in Madrid.

Falcons Week 9 starting lineup: Offense

Falcons Week 9 starting lineup: Defense

Falcons Week 9 starting lineup: Special Teams

Sunday's game kicks off at 9:30 a.m. ET at Bernabéu Stadium in Madrid, Spain.