What happened: The ranking The three highlighted teams span 29 places from first to 30th.
Why it matters: The order sets sharply different preseason expectations for the three defenses. Final roster decisions could still reshape personnel before Week 1.
By the numbers: San Francisco ranks first, 14 places ahead of Kansas City and 29 ahead of Arizona. Kansas City holds a 15-place advantage over Arizona.
What to watch: Watch final cuts and opening-week usage for changes to each unit's depth and roles.