What happened: New England opens at No. 8, with Chicago at No. 15.
Why it matters: The order puts two top-eight teams into the AFC East succession question entering the 2026 regular season. Chicago also starts in the league's upper half.
By the numbers: Buffalo sits five spots ahead of New England and 12 ahead of Chicago. The Patriots lead the Bears by seven places.
What to watch: Opening-week results will give all three teams their first chance to move the order.