Most NFL fans are interested in watching the Chicago Bears on Hard Knocks

When I saw this week’s national SB Nation Reacts survey question was about the Chicago Bears and Hard Knocks, I was curious how all fans of all 32 franchises would vote.

I’m about as fired up as can be to watch my favorite team spotlighted on HBO, as are many Chicago fans, but from a national perspective, 81% of voters came in with mid to high interest in the series.

There’s certainly the Caleb Williams factor in this vote, but the Bears are also an ascending team with plenty of likable personalities at Halas Hall. The Bears were a national story for two straight offseasons, thanks to the trade with the Panthers. General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus have each seen their Q-Rating rise this offseason, as both were featured plenty nationally leading up to the draft.

The Bears are the “it” team right now among several analysts who are predicting them to be in the NFC playoff mix, which leads to fans being curious to see what the hype is all about.

Plus, I’m sure fans of their division rivals will hate-watch the show to look for things to troll about, but regardless of the reason, I would expect HBO to have a ratings hit on their hands. Bears fans are among the most passionate fans in all of sports, and we’ll make sure the league knows how hungry we are for a fun and successful team to cheer for.

But before the Bears get the training camp Hard Knocks treatment, the New York Giants will be featured in a new offseason version of the show. Hardcore football fans will tune in, but they may not get the casual fan.

I’m intrigued by the ins and outs of an NFL front office, so I’ll check this out, but the Giants are a boring franchise. Sure, they’ll bring in the New York market, but I don’t see anyone on that show moving the needle.

And as for there being three Hard Knocks now, most fans feel that’s too many.

For me, it all depends on the team’s selected. I enjoyed the Miami Dolphins in-season show last year because I’m a fan of their head coach, and they have several players I wanted to learn more about.

I’m pretty busy during the season, but if another interesting franchise is featured, I may carve out some time to check it out.

As a reminder, to sign up for the weekly emailed SB Nation Reacts surveys about the NFL, you can do that here.