Report: Texans are favorites for HBO's Hard Knocks

The Houston Texans are the favorites to appear on the 2015 edition of HBO's Hard Knocks, reports ESPN's Tania Ganguli.

The Houston Chronicle reports that the Texans are one of three finalists for the annual training camp reality show. The Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills are also potential participants, reports ESPN Cleveland.

HBO reportedly preferred to feature the Cleveland Browns this year, however ESPN reports that the Browns stated their opposition due to Johnny Manziel's off-season rehab and will most likely have their request honored. 

Nine teams are eligible for this year's series under NFL rules. 

Hard Knocks debuted in 2001 as it chronicled the Baltimore Ravens, narrated by actor Liev Schreiber. After the series provided an inside look at the Dallas Cowboys in 2002, the series went off the air before returning in 2007 to feature the Kansas City Chiefs. 

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The Texans went 9–7 last season and missed the playoffs. They welcome back NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt.​

Rex Ryan's New York Jets were the subject of the HBO show in 2010, when the coach's "Let's go eat a snack!"  and other colorful comments made headlines. Ryan was hired as Bills coach in January after being fired by the Jets following the 2014 season.

The Redskins are coming off a 4–12 season and a fourth-place finish in the NFC East. Washington head coach Jay Gruden appeared on Hard Knocks in 2013 as the offensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals. 

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- Jake Fischer