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Which team should star in this year's 'Hard Knocks'?

Peter G. Aiken / Getty Images Sport / Getty

Which team will be the next to allow the cameras of HBO's "Hard Knocks" through their doors?

The behind-the-scenes show allows viewers to watch one team go through training camp, but certain restrictions mean only some franchises are eligible.

This year, eight teams could be on the show: the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, New Orleans Saints, and Tennessee Titans, barring another team volunteering.

Last year's season, which followed the Rams' first season in Los Angeles, was a low point for the hit show, especially compared to the Amazon's critically lauded series, "All or Nothing: A Season with the Arizona Cardinals."

So which team could help revitalize "Hard Knocks?"

The Titans, Eagles, and Bears can all be kicked from consideration straight away. Apologies to the fans of those teams, but they would all be painful watches.

The Ravens' attempt to return to glory could be interesting, with a close-up look at one of the league's most consistent franchises. But they just don't have the characters to hold up the show, especially after Steve Smith's retirement.

So we're left with the Colts, Browns, Saints, and Buccaneers.

Colts

Case for: A lame duck season for Chuck Pagano coupled with the first year of general manager Chris Ballard's reign could be an interesting dynamic to witness, especially when you throw eccentric owner Jim Irsay into the mix. Andrew Luck is one of the most likable guys in the NFL, and the Colts' roster could be in serious flux this offseason, which could provide the usual longshot-guy-hoping-to-make-the-team storyline.

Case against: The show could focus on Luck and his "nerdiness," highlighting things we've already heard too much about (did you know Luck uses a flip phone?!). Pagano is an old-school coach who loves dramatic speeches, but might not have enough substance to carry the show.

Browns

Case for: You want a narrative, then the Browns are your team. Cleveland is coming off a 1-15 campaign, have the No. 1 overall pick, and the front office is attempting innovative things with their approach. They also have an affable head coach in Hue Jackson, Terrelle Pryor's contract situation to follow, and a big question mark at quarterback to answer.

Case against: Unsurprisingly, the 1-15 Browns don't have a lot of star power. Jackson has also said he isn't interested in being on the show, which is understandable, as he wants to focus on turning around the league's worst team. It could lead to another flat series if Jackson isn't on board.

Saints

Case for: Who doesn't want to see the intricacies of one of the league's most successful offensive partnerships? Drew Brees and Sean Payton's quest for one more ring would be the crux of the series, with the city of New Orleans providing a vibrant backdrop.

Case against: "Hard Knocks" often turns the spotlight on position coaches and coordinators, but the Saints recently let go some of their most interesting characters, like Joe Vitt and Rob Ryan. While Brees and Payton is an interesting relationship, they have been in the league a long time, so some might feel they know all there is to find out about the duo.

Buccaneers

Case for: Head coach Dirk Koetter has a no-nonsense mentality, especially with the media, that would make watching him be followed by a film crew pretty compelling. Jameis Winston is, to some, a controversial figure, so diving into the franchise quarterback's inner workings would make for must-see TV.

Case against: While the Bucs are a team on the rise, there isn't a defining narrative for their 2017 offseason. They're expected to take another step forward and challenge for the playoffs, but it's hard to see a unique angle on the team.

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