Bold Predictions for the NFL's Most Surprising Players and Teams in 2024 | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors

Back in 1989, the Minnesota Vikings won 10 games and the NFC Central. Much of their success was keyed by the defense. That year, Keith Millard brought home Defensive Player of the Year honors after amassing 18 sacks.

Hall of Fame teammate Chris Doleman did him one better—his 21 sacks were just one off the then-record of 22 set by Mark Gastineau of the New York Jets in 1984. The 39 sacks the duo combined for is a record for the most sacks by two teammates in a season since sacks became an official statistic.

Kiss that record goodbye in 2024.

The Houston Texans were very aggressive this offseason after last year's surprise playoff run, and the team's prize defensive acquisition was edge-rusher Danielle Hunter. The 29-year-old Texas native, who has posted a career-best 16.5 sacks in 2023, told reporters he's eager to show that he's worth his big paycheck.

"Just being able to go after the quarterback," Hunter said. "On the Texans, I should be able to do it. That's been in my DNA since I came into the NFL, and I'm happy to be able to go out there and play for my teammates and bring that to the table."

Of course, it takes two to tango. Opposite Hunter in Houston this year will be youngster Will Anderson Jr, who brought home Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023. Anderson told a Houston TV station he can't wait to get after it with his new teammate.

"I'm very excited," he told KPRC2. "I was jumping up and down, man, I was so excited, because now teams, they've got to choose who they're gonna double-team. It's really exciting. He's a great guy. He loves football, man. I can't wait to learn from him, go out there and (wreak) havoc with him."

The pair has the potential to terrify opposing quarterbacks, and that's just what they are going to do. Hunter will post his first 20-sack season and be a Defensive Player of the Year front-runner. Anderson will be just behind.

And the pair will combine for a record 40 sacks for a Houston team that many see as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.