LAS VEGAS (AFLWA) – The Chicago Rush maintained its No. 1 ranking, but two other teams were close behind in the Top 8 Poll, which was conducted by the Arena Football League Writers Association (AFLWA).

Chicago (11-4), which defeated the Indiana Firebirds 53-37, received nine first-place votes and 154 points. The San Jose SaberCats (11-4) stayed at No. 2 following a 48-36 victory over the Philadelphia Soul, and received seven first-place votes and 147 points. After an off week, the Arizona Rattlers (10-5) picked up five first-place votes and 133 points to remain No. 3.

At No. 4 was the Colorado Crush (10-5), a 45-42 winner over the Detroit Fury. Colorado moved up a spot.

The poll should receive a major shakeup after the regular season's final weekend. Chicago plays at Colorado, and Arizona is at San Jose.

Moving down a place to No. 5 was the New Orleans VooDoo (10-5), which lost 59-51 to the Tampa Bay Storm. Tampa Bay (8-7) moved up two places into a tie for sixth with the Orlando Predators (9-6). Orlando advanced one spot after beating the New York Dragons 65-41.

Voters apparently were unimpressed with the Los Angeles Avengers' 54-51 victory over the Las Vegas Gladiators. Los Angeles (9-6) fell two places to No. 8.

In addition to the games involving the top four teams, the poll should further be affected after Orlando visits Los Angeles. Other games include the Austin Wranglers (8-7) at New Orleans and Tampa Bay at the Dallas Desperados (6-9).

The AFLWA, founded at the start of the 2004 season, is a national organization made up of media members who cover the Arena Football League. Mark Anderson of the Las Vegas Review-Journal is the AFLWA's founder and executive director.