18 January 2024 , 20:12
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The NFL playoffs are heating up, but many teams are already looking ahead to next season and the league's popular "Hard Knocks" series. The 2023 editions of "Hard Knocks" were a big hit, featuring Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets, as well as Mike McDaniel and his Miami Dolphins.
It will be a challenge for the NFL to match this year's success with its behind-the-scenes documentary series, given the buzz generated Rodgers' move from the Green Bay Packers to the Jets. However, there are plenty of interesting stories across the league that could be captured by NFL Films and HBO's cameras this summer.
The NFL has strict rules about which teams can avoid being featured on "Hard Knocks." Teams can volunteer if they want more publicity, like the Jacksonville Jaguars have done in the past. But generally, coaches and front offices are cautious about the potential distractions the show can cause.
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The NFL doesn't consider teams with a first-year head coach for selection. This means the Los Angeles Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle Seahawks, New England Patriots, Washington Commanders, Tennessee Titans and Carolina Panthers are all out of the running.
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A team that has made the playoffs in the last two seasons also gets a pass, which significantly reduces the number of potential teams available for selection.
Therefore, it's unlikely we'll see the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys or San Francisco 49ers on "Hard Knocks" anytime soon.
Caleb Williams and Sean Payton could feature in Hard Knocks in 2024. (Getty Images)So, who's up for 'Hard Knocks' 2024?
By the NFL's standards, the choices come down to three teams: the Chicago Bears, Denver Broncos and New Orleans Saints.
The Chicago Bears, who have the No. 1 overall pick, look likely favourites, as long as they don't trade out of the pick. If they make their selection at April's draft in Detroit, there's a high chance they could choose a quarterback.
Caleb Williams is a top contender, and fans would love seeing the USC Trojans graduate make his NFL debut.
In Denver, the Broncos are dealing with the fallout from Russell Wilson's move from the Seattle Seahawks. After two disappointing seasons, it's considered one of the worst trades in NFL history. By the end of the regular season, he was benched by head coach Sean Payton and it seems unlikely he'll still be a Bronco by Week 1 in September.
The New Orleans Saints, on the other hand, are a year into having Derek Carr as their quarterback. They narrowly missed out on the playoffs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Despite this, Dennis Allen's team is seen as the least exciting of the three options, lacking both a charismatic coach and quarterback.
However, a lot can change before the NFL decides on its "Hard Knocks" team for 2024. The Jets were chosen in mid-July last year.
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can report any errors to [email protected]