Boye Mafe Will Record Multiple Hits Against Steelers
ESPN analyst Seth Walder expects the Bengals edge rusher to pressure Pittsburgh in the Week 3 matchup.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Football
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Will Boye Mafe record multiple quarterback hits in the upcoming game against the Steelers?
Bengals defensive end Boye Mafe enters the Week 3 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers with significant early-season momentum. ESPN analyst Seth Walder projects Mafe to record multiple quarterback hits during the contest on September 27, 2026.
Why it matters
The Bengals signed Mafe during the offseason to bolster their defensive line and add consistent pass rush production. His early performance suggests he is effectively executing that role by generating constant pressure on opposing signal-callers.
Mafe currently ranks third in the NFL in pass rush wins and has recorded 12 total pressures across 69 pass rush snaps this season. His opponent, Steelers right tackle Dylan Cook, has allowed five pressures so far this year.
The players
Boye Mafe
He is a defensive end for the Bengals who previously recorded 20 career sacks before entering free agency.
Seth Walder
He is an ESPN analyst who provides expert projections and technical analysis on NFL player performances.
Dylan Cook
He is a Pittsburgh Steelers right tackle who has allowed five pressures through the first two weeks.
Max Iheanachor
He is a player expected to compete with Dylan Cook for the starting right tackle position.
The details
Mafe has already tallied one sack and one forced fumble through the first two weeks of the season, including a notable strip-sack against Baker Mayfield in Week 1. During a standout performance against the Texans, he registered eight pressures, reinforcing his status as a disruptive force on the edge.
Timeline
Week 1: Mafe recorded a strip-sack against Baker Mayfield.
Through two weeks: Mafe recorded 12 total pressures.
Week 3: Bengals play the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Season Trajectory
Mafe's high volume of pressures positions the Bengals to potentially disrupt the AFC North hierarchy. His ability to consistently win pass rush snaps directly impacts the team's ability to maintain a competitive defensive front against divisional rivals like the Steelers.
Fantasy managers and bettors should note that Mafe faces a Steelers offensive line that has already surrendered five pressures to its starting right tackle. His current ranking as the third-best pass rusher in the league suggests a high probability of sack or pressure-based points in defensive scoring formats.
The takeaway
Mafe's rapid production spike highlights the importance of effective defensive line recruitment in the modern NFL. Monitoring his snap count and pressure rate will be essential for gauging his long-term impact on the Bengals' defense.
Further reading
For more information on league-wide performance trends, visit the Football section.
Live Poll
Will Boye Mafe record multiple quarterback hits in the upcoming game against the Steelers?
