The 3 exemptions to get out are:
1: First year head 2: Playoffs in last 2 years 3: Haven’t been on hard knocks in last 10 years.
If the season ended right now (not knowing how records/playoff berths or coaching changes will end up) it would be between Lions, 49ers, Broncos, Raiders, FTP, Giants, and Cowboys. Cowboys had it in 2008 so since this is for next year they would be eligible.
Possibility of Vance Joseph and Jason Garret(t) replacements could knock those 2 teams out and if any of these teams make playoffs they would be out as well.
There are some interesting story lines that I believe NFL and HBO execs would push before the Lions unfortunately. Not in any particular order, although I would like to hear people’s feelings on which one they would like to see other than the Lions?
Gruden + Carr situation and possibly the first overall pick also with a complete culture/location change going on in the background. Garrapollo’s return from an injury coupled with the head coach being the son of an nfl legacy plus Bay Area/history and also an early pick. Big Apple + (Saquon x OBJ) + New top pick/possible qb off-season trade - Potential Eli Manning end of career. Rodgers + McCarthy - playoffs 2 years in a row x (“community owned team” + curds) Stafford + 2nd year w/ Patricia and possible offensive changes. “Patriot culture building”
If I had to make a choice today I think that Oakland and New York would be the top choices.