KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Patiently awaiting an opportunity to surpass the league’s No. 1-ranked (12-2-1) Carolina Cowboys as they continue to pile up victories, the No. 2 (11-5) Kansas City Outlaws may be approaching their best chance of the season to hit the gas.

Primed to host each of the league’s other nine contingents during the Week 8 showcase inside T-Mobile Center, what better way to assume the regular season crown than before tens of thousands of your dearest fans?

With PBR Teams: Outlaw Days set to invade Kansas City, Missouri, Sept. 6-8, it seems like one hell of a time to make a statement.

Especially when you consider the additional sports media buzz surrounding the area this weekend, as the back-to-back Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs of the NFL (National Football League) warmed things up Thursday night during a banner-raising, opening night of 11-on-11 thrills.

RELATED: What to Watch For: Outlaws look to add to Kansas City’s championship culture

Set to challenge the No. 7 (7-9) New York Mavericks, No. 4 (8-8) Austin Gamblers and No. 8 (7-10) Missouri Thunder during another Show Me State Showdown, there’s definitely a path for the Outlaws to become the first squad to record a perfect 3-0 record during their respective homestand.

And as long as they roster a healthy Cassio Dias, they’re going to feel just fine about their odds in each of said matchups. Primed to compete against the current PBR Teams MVP race leader in Jose Vitor Leme Saturday, fans will want to tune into the Week 8 “Game of the Week,” set to air on CBS Television Network on Sunday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. CT.

The Gamblers, sitting even with a .500 record need not worry about the Outlaws just yet, as they first have to endure a showdown with the No. 9 (6-9-1) Oklahoma Wildcatters Friday night. The Wildcatters themselves are hard to read at this point of the season. But the same could be said about the Gamblers and eight of the league’s 10 teams right about now.

The No. 6 (7-9) Nashville Stampede are looking to ditch a four-game losing streak in Week 8. But having drawn the next-level Carolina Cowboys in Game 2, they’ll need every ride they can get as they look to upset the Richard Childress-owned contingent.

Despite going through some ups and downs of their own in year three, the No. 10 (6-10) Arizona Ridge Riders can climb out of the basement Friday night if they can take down the No. 8 (7-10) Missouri Thunder, who could use a victory just as direly.

A lot is up in the air right now.

And the one thing we absolutely know for certain is that ANYTHING can happen here over the final five showdowns of regular season action.

RELATED: Week 8 PBR Camping World Team Series power rankings

2024 PBR Camping World Team Series Standings: 1. Carolina Cowboys (12-2-1) 2. Kansas City Outlaws (11-5) 3. Florida Freedom (8-8) 4. Austin Gamblers (8-8) 5. Texas Rattlers (7-9) 6. Nashville Stampede (7-9) 7. New York Mavericks (7-9) 8. Missouri Thunder (7-10) 9. Oklahoma Wildcatters (6-9-1) 10. Arizona Ridge Riders (6-10) With teams competing to officially lock up their spot at the 2024 PBR Teams Championship inside T-Mobile Arena next month, the stakes continue to elevate themselves as the world’s best bull riders look to make a statement. One ride at a time.

Lineups and draw are in for the eighth of 12 regular season showdowns, so we’re taking a closer look at Friday night’s matchups, rematches and beyond, with some additional game preview insights, latest team transactions and everything you need to know ahead of the weekend’s first slate of games!

With the 5-on-5 circuit doubling down in the Show Me State, next set to invade Kansas City, Missouri, we’re breaking down starting lineups for Friday night’s competition inside T-Mobile Center (With coverage set to begin at 8 p.m. CT via Merit Street).

PBR TEAMS: OUTLAW DAYS STARTING LINEUPS *Denotes a rematch (6-9-1) Oklahoma Wildcatters vs. (8-8) Austin Gamblers Eduardo Matos vs. Crazy Times Dalton Kasel vs. Rowdy Cort McFadden vs. Risky Business Kaique Pacheco vs. War Daddy Josh Frost vs. Top Shelf Guilherme Valleiras vs. Fire Magic Kase Hitt vs. Rip Ramon de Lima vs. Snake Eyes Austin Richardson vs. Hell Right Jose Vitor Leme vs. Baldy REMATCHES Austin Richardson vs. Hell Right (4.69 seconds in Sacramento, California; 7.02 seconds in Cheyenne, Wyoming) Dalton Kasel vs. Rowdy (5.71 seconds in Louisville, Kentucky; 7.31 seconds in Houston, Texas) Kaique Pacheco vs. War Daddy (85 points in Nashville, Tennessee) Ramon de Lima vs. Snake Eyes (Re-ride offered in New Orleans, Louisiana) TRANSACTIONS The Austin Gamblers placed Guilherme Valleiras on the Protected Roster from the Reserve Roster. The Austin Gamblers placed Callum Miller on the Reserve Roster from the Protected Roster. Wildcatters vs. Gamblers Game Preview If the Oklahoma Wildcatters want to earn a spot in the postseason, they’re going to need to be able to tackle quality competition. Exactly what they’ll be faced with Friday night as they prepare to dance with the Austin Gamblers. Just the same way the Austin Gamblers need to start realizing there aren’t as many “easy wins” on the circuit as there were in past seasons. If they want to turn things around and secure a third-consecutive regular season championship, they’re going to need to start taking care of teams they should be able to defeat. And nothing against the struggling Wildcatters, but the Gamblers should be able to secure this win Friday night.

Of course, “shoulds” are hard to find in the 5-on-5 world these days, especially for the Gamblers, who “should” be a bit higher in the standings than the No. 4 spot they currently occupy. With three of the team’s five expected starters in Game 1 set to endure matchups with bovines they’ve previously attempted, there may be a bit of familiarity on display, but Kaique Pacheco enters the set of rematches as the only man to find success in his first opportunity. Pacheco should be better than 6-for-17 in 2024, too, though, so the green and black contingent isn’t counting chickens yet. They’re looking to get a big win against a team who’s just 1.5 games behind them in the standings. Knowing they roster two-time PBR Teams MVP Jose Vitor Leme, who’s set to dance with Baldy in the team’s closer role (a bull who just surrendered a rank 90-pointer to Boudreaux Campbell last weekend), Oklahoma “should” need at least one eye-popping score to match the two-time World Champions expected efforts.

Former Gamblers’ member Austin Richardson will get a third chance to best Hell Right Friday as he prepares to face his former team for the first time this season. Acquired by Oklahoma alongside Cort McFadden in the offseason, will the personnel swap play a big role in the Week 8 opener? While Richardson has needed some time to get back into his old ways, 0-for-4 so far this summer, McFadden has already proven dividends, currently ranked No. 13 in the MVP standings and 8-for-17 on the year. His showdown against Risky Business could be the breaking point for J.B. Mauney’s young squad. If he and Eduardo Matos (who leads the team with a 9-for-16 slate) can team up for a pair of conversions, they’ll 100% be in this game.

(7-9) Nashville Stampede vs. (12-2-1) Carolina Cowboys Cody Jesus vs. Hoka Hey Cooper Davis vs. Black Tie Anderson de Oliveira vs. Fire Zone Derek Kolbaba vs. Wild Card Luke Parkinson vs. American You Ethan Winckler vs. Rockville Kaiden Loud vs. High Plains Drifter Daylon Swearingen vs. Peterbilt Silvano Alves vs. Johnny Rocket Sage Steele Kimzey vs. Exodus REMATCHES Derek Kolbaba vs. Wild Card (88.5 points in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) Sage Steele Kimzey vs. Exodus (87.5 points in Nashville, Tennessee) TRANSACTIONS The Nashville Stampede placed Anderson de Oliveira on the Protected Roster from the Reserve Roster. The Nashville Stampede removed Luke Parkinson from Injured Reserve and placed him on the Reserve Roster. Stampede vs. Cowboys Game Preview It would be easy to label the Carolina Cowboys and Nashville Stampede as two of the league’s “blue collar teams” as they both feature varying versions of the color in their team threads. But it’s the way they work during the week – the way they show up and approach their teammates in the locker room – the way they punch the clock, get the job done and return home, only to start preparing for the next week of work which ultimately makes them of the blue collar variety. And that attitude didn’t just stumble into these franchises. Jerome Davis and Justin McBride hold their teams to high expectations, regardless of what happens in any given game. Both of the blue-based squads will be eager to secure a win during Game 2, as well, though they bring differing recent slates into the matchup.

The Cowboys, who began the season red-hot, have dropped two of their last four games as they trickle back towards mortality. Just two games ahead of the No. 2 Kansas City Outlaws, they understand their once-runaway record is no longer. Ranked No. 5 in the MVP standings, Sage Steele Kimzey has been riding like he’s driving his team to the fast lane on his own. Cooper Davis and Daylon Swearingen have been doing all they can to keep up with the talented veteran, but the seven-time Champ has been making it look too easy lately. Primed to dance with Exodus for a second time Friday after besting the bovine for 87.5 points a few weeks back in Nashville. His teammate Derek Kolbaba is also looking to double down in Game 2, set to challenge Wild Card after scoring 88.5 points aboard the talent during the season-opener at Wildcatter Days.

They are essentially guaranteed a spot at the 2024 PBR Teams Championship as things sit, but they will need to secure roughly another three or four game wins to cross the finish line. Facing a Stampede team who brings a four-game losing streak into the showdown, it’s hard to drum up a better opportunity for the racing striped-unit to pick up another big win.

(7-10) Missouri Thunder vs. (6-10) Arizona Ridge Riders Boudreaux Campbell vs. Spice JaCauy Hale vs. Homeboy Felipe Furlan vs. Hawk Eduardo Aparecido vs. Magic Fire Dawson Gleaves vs. Grey Fox Bruno Carvalho vs. Bam Bam Briggs Madsen vs. Beef Cake Luciano De Castro vs. Hit or Miss Paulo Eduardo Rossetto vs. Magic Hunter Keyshawn Whitehorse vs. Gucci REMATCHES Boudreaux Campbell vs. Spice (4.94 seconds in Glendale, Arizona) TRANSACTIONS The Arizona Ridge Riders placed JaCauy Hale on the Protected Roster from the Reserve Roster. Thunder vs. Ridge Riders Game Preview For as exciting as the Missouri Thunder and Arizona Ridge Riders have been over the last few weeks, the squads still find themselves ranked in the bottom three of the league standings heading into Week 8, with the 7-10 Thunder sitting at the No. 8 spot and 6-10 Arizona Ridge Riders rocking the No. 10 spot. With the Ridge Riders remaining just half of a game (.5) back from both Missouri and the Oklahoma Wildcatters, this game serves as a direct opportunity for Arizona to dig themselves out of the basement. At the same time, Missouri could jump as high as the No. 5 spot with a win on Friday night (depending on what the league’s other units accomplish on night one), so there’s plenty on the line here in Game 3.

The Thunder, despite enjoying the confines of their home arena, turned in just a 1-2 slate last weekend at PBR Teams: Thunder Days. Not an ideal way to show up for the hometown crowd, but it beats an 0-3 showcase, nonetheless. With the third-lowest team aggregate score seven weeks in, they’ve struggled to consistently produce three-plus ride efforts more times than not. But when the boys are firing and feeling themselves, they can be one of the fiercest teams on tour. Paulo Eduardo Rossetto has been a force to be reckoned with. Boudreaux Campbell is figuring things out slowly but surely. Andrew Alvidrez, Briggs Madsen and Grayson Cole join the talented duo in each being ranked in the Top 40 of the MVP race. They have the pieces in place, they just need to get their guys on the right bulls and finish the job.

As far as the Ridge Riders are concerned, who turned in a productive 2-1 record last weekend, they have plenty to build on as they look to elevate their status, and ranking, in Week 8.

RELATED: Ridge Riders get their mojo back with 2-1 weekend in Missouri

But that’s in the past now. And if they want to find themselves ranked anywhere other than the No. 10 spot come the end of the weekend, they’ll need to secure another pair of wins inside T-Mobile Center. Drawing their fellow up-and-down opponents in the Thunder Friday presents a quality opportunity for Arizona to keep things rolling. Knowing veteran Eduardo Aparecido just joined the 400 Ride Club last weekend means they have a veteran leader who’s plenty capable of serving in the team’s star role. Luciano De Castro is getting his act together as well lately. But it’s the team’s youngster and 2024 PBR Teams New Rider Draft selection JaCauy Hale who may offer the most upside as a late-season contributor. Going 2-for-2 last weekend, he’s got a date with Homeboy awaiting come Friday night, where he’ll look to keep his successful streak alive.

(7-9) New York Mavericks vs. (11-5) Kansas City Outlaws Maverick Smith vs. Highwire Koltin Hevalow vs. Gas Money Leonardo Castro vs. Tchoupitoulas Heitor Santos Ferreira vs. Red Dirt Davi Henrique de Lima vs. Smooth Steel Brennon Eldred vs. Margin of Error Hudson Bolton vs. Coco Sandro Batista vs. Kodiac Mauricio Gulla Moreira vs. Am I Blue Cassio Dias vs. UTZ BesTex Legend REMATCHES Davi Henrique de Lima vs. Smooth Steel (1.93 seconds in Nashville, Tennessee; 3.84 seconds in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida) Sandro Batista vs. Kodiac (5.38 seconds in New York, New York) TRANSACTIONS The Kansas City Outlaws placed Bob Mitchell on the Reserve Roster from the Protected Roster. The Kansas City Outlaws placed Heitor Santos Ferreira on the Protected Roster from the Reserve Roster. Mavericks vs. Outlaws Game Preview Saving the hometown team for last, as always, the Kansas City Outlaws are going to be amped to be back in their home arena. But after seeing the tour’s last two hosts suffer 1-2 records as they endure longer weeks with more guests, interviews and demands, the Outlaws will be locked in once they walk onto the dirt Friday night. They’ll need to be, honestly, as the New York Mavericks continue to play spoiler to homestands while providing upset decisions left and right. If they were the league’s slow starters, they’re officially one of the feistiest squads around right now. Unpredictable and ready to strike in a moment’s notice, they don’t have the perfect formula quite yet. But whatever they’ve been throwing together seems to be working every other game or so, lately.

Despite their mysterious approach some nights, they will still be considered the underdogs in Game 4. A rap they’ve never shied away from in 2024 one bit. You can’t storm into the home of the league’s second-place contingent thinking you’ll be getting an easy win. But Head Coach Kody Lostroh will have his team feeling prepared and confident, so anything is possible. It’s been a team effort for New York during their inaugural season as they continue to await Marco Rizzo’s 5-on-5 debut. Mauricio Moreira is currently leading the team with a 5-for-15 slate. And while Leonardo Castro, Hudson Bolton, Davi Henrique de Lima and Leandro Machado are all ranked within the Top 50 of the MVP race, they each only have three qualified rides through seven weekends of action. Something will need to change in that vein if the Mavericks want to avoid next month’s Ride In Round inside South Point Casino, Hotel & Spa.

Across the chutes? One of two teams to reach the 10-win mark. One of just two teams operating above the .500 mark in Week 8. And the only team with the honor of calling T-Mobile Center home, the No. 2 Kansas City Outlaws are set to bring the hottest roster around to their hometown party. Which begins with what could end up being a dramatic finale in the Midwest, depending on which version of the Mavericks show up. Sandro Batista, Cassio Dias and Koltin Hevalow have surpassed the Carolina Cowboys’ top-tier trio as the league’s most talented Top 3. They are having fun – and it’s been showing. Atop the chutes. On the dirt. And in the locker room. Even Head Coach J.W. Hart has been flashing smiles left and right as his second-place squad continues to rack up the wins. It’s going to be hard for the Mavericks to overcome this talented of a team. Truly saving the best for last, fans will likely be treated to quite the spectacle in the bottom of the fifth as Dias gets ready to dance with UTZ BesTex Legend.

Friday Night Bye Games: Florida Freedom, Texas Rattlers TRANSACTIONS The Florida Freedom placed Thiago Salgado on Injured Reserve from the Protected Roster. The Florida Freedom placed Conner Halverson on the Reserve Roster from the Protected Roster. The Florida Freedom placed Yan Cunha on the Protected Roster from the Reserve Roster. The Florida Freedom placed Eric Domingos on the Protected Roster from the Reserve Roster. FOLLOW ALONG This weekend’s PBR Teams: Outlaw Days showcase in Kansas City, Missouri, is set to begin Friday, Sept. 6 at 7:45 p.m. CT as the Oklahoma Wildcatters and Austin Gamblers get the three-day showcase started inside T-Mobile Center.

With competition set to continue Saturday, Sept. 7 at 7:45 p.m. CT and conclude Sunday, Sept. 8 at 1:45 p.m. CT, the seventh of ten homestand events will see the world’s best bull riders lay it all on the line with just six weeks remaining until the 2024 PBR Teams Championship in Las Vegas, Nevada, Oct. 18-20!

Fans can tune into Merit Street and the Merit+ App on Friday, Sept. 6 beginning at 8 p.m. CT to take in the four opening night games. The first three games of night two’s slate, airing on Saturday, Sept. 7, will also air on Merit Street and the Merit+ App starting at 8 p.m. CT. All of Championship Sunday’s Outlaw Days action will air on Sunday, Sept. 8 beginning at 5 p.m. CT.

The Week 8 “Game of the Week,” featuring the Austin Gamblers and Kansas City Outlaws, is set to air on CBS Television Network on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. CT.

Spanish broadcasts of all three days of action will also air on TUDN, with night one’s action airing on Saturday, Sept. 7 at 2 p.m. CT, Saturday’s slate airing on Sunday, Sept. 8 at 2 p.m. CST and Sunday’s showdowns airing on Monday, Sept. 9 at 2 p.m. CT.

Fans can keep an eye on PBR.com and @PBR social media channels for the latest news, scores, wrecks and more! And be sure to download the Merit+ App to watch all of this season’s exclusive action!

Photo courtesy of Andy Watson/Bull Stock Media