Top 5 Teams For In-Season Version of NFL’s ‘Hard Knocks’

One of the more fun parts of NFL training camp is the HBO hit docuseries “Hard Knocks.” Each year, they take fans inside a training camp with a team, giving more insight into the happenings at the NFL level. It can be a little distracting for the players but generally, many enjoy it. We also always see heartbreaking moments, followed by the happiness of a player making the roster.

This series was so popular that they decided to make a different version of it, the in-season vintage of “Hard Knocks.” Over the last few seasons, we have gotten the inside look into a team during the NFL season, granting us never-before-seen footage. With the Chicago Bears and No. 1 overall pick quarterback Caleb Williams being selected for the training camp edition of “Hard Knocks”, who would make sense to be the in-season team? Here are five teams that could make the cut.

1. Los Angeles Chargers

Does anyone have it better than the Los Angeles Chargers? Technically yes, but the Bolts are looking like they could be a potential surprise this season. Putting new head coach Jim Harbaugh on camera is typically gold for content so this could work out well. Additionally, Los Angeles is the city of Angels so “Hard Knocks” could see this as a way to market them in a different light. The Chargers make a lot of sense.

2. Washington Commanders

Why not put the first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft on center stage? First Williams and now Jaylen Daniels could get a shot at being in the spotlight. It’s an entirely new regime in Washington so it could be a good way for them to promote themselves in a new light. The Commanders should be much better than they were a year ago, giving more thought to this possibility.

3. Dallas Cowboys

Do you want ratings? Then the Dallas Cowboys make all the sense in the world here. Dallas fans will flock to see anything that has to do with their team so this could make sense. The Cowboys are entering an interesting season, while still being one of the better teams in the NFC. It would be exciting for fans to see how the Cowboys operate when after all, they are technically still America’s Team.

4. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals will be getting star quarterback Joe Burrow back in the mix this year, giving them real credibility in the AFC. The Bengals may not be the “sexy” team but they should be very good once again. Having Burrow, along with Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins could make for some good TV watching. There is drama between Higgins and the Bengals brewing as well, making this a potentially solid option.

5. New York Jets

New York was selected for last year’s “Hard Knocks,” but putting them into the in-season one could make sense. With legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers back healthy, the Jets become a prime spot for ratings. Seeing how he goes through his process in-season could be fun for viewers and we would get to see the difference between the two versions from the lens of the same team.