Eight 'Hard Knocks' contenders for 2014 revealed

The NFL passed a rule last year that gives the league the power to force a team to participate in HBO's "Hard Knocks," the documentary-style series that follows a team throughout training camp and the preseason. 

In recent years, teams have resisted participation in the show, believing HBO's cameras represent an unwelcome distraction.

The new rule includes provisions that teams are exempt from participation if they have made the playoffs in either of the pass two seasons or if they have a first-year head coach in place.

Thus, it's possible to deduce the list of teams that are eligible to be featured (either voluntarily or against their will) on "Hard Knocks" this summer. The list includes eight teams:

• Arizona Cardinals
• Buffalo Bills
• Chicago Bears
• Jacksonville Jaguars
• New York Giants
• Oakland Raiders
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• St. Louis Rams

The Bears, Giants and Steelers jump out as teams the league will be licking its lips over featuring. The Bears and Giants are in huge television markets, and the Steelers have perhaps the most widespread fan base in the league. 

Of course, for sheer "train wreck that you can't look away from" potential, it would be hard to compete with the Raiders.

No decision on which team will be featured is expected until much closer to the start of training camp.