2012 NFL Schedule: Thursday Matchups That Will Disappoint

The NFL Network has 15 prime-time games this season.

Unfortunately, "prime-time" games don't necessarily translate into good games.

Cowboys at Giants and Bears at Packers are given standouts. Division rivals always deliver whether the game is 10-6 or 35-32.

But not every game on the NFL Network schedule is like first two games. In fact, some are going to be awful.

Here's a look at the Thursday Night games you'll be able to delete off your DVR without ever watching again. 

For a full list of prime-time games, click here.

Week 5: Cardinals at Rams

There is a chance that one or maybe both of these teams will be involved in the NFC West race due to the lack of elite talent in the division, but in Week 5 we won't be thinking about that.

Arizona isn't sure what they're going to do at quarterback and the Rams don't have the talent to make something happen for Sam Bradford.

When Mike Mayock and company call this game, the most exciting thing is bound to be whether the Arizona quarterback can actually stand up long enough to throw the ball to Larry Fitzgerald.

Week 8: Buccaneers at Vikings

Wait. There is actually one reason this game has potential to be DVR-worthy, and that is if Adrian Peterson runs for a new single-game rushing record.

Tampa Bay gave up 156 yards per game on the ground last season, which was the worst in the league, and they won only one game on the road (ironically enough it was in Minnesota in Week 2).

Greg Schiano was known for shutting down the run during his time at Rutgers, but he has his work cut out for him.

If the Vikes get healthy and play up to their potential, this could get ugly.

Week 10: Colts at Jaguars

There is a bit of intrigue here, considering this is the only prime-time game for Andrew Luck and the Colts, but the offensive ineptitude in the game will make most sick to their stomach.

Luck will be a great player in this league, but it won't happen immediately, and the Jaguars can actually play defense at home.

Maurice Jones-Drew could run roughshod over the Colts' run defense, but we shouldn't get our hopes considering Blaine Gabbert is expected to be the quarterback the visitors have to worry about.

Last year, Jacksonville swept the Colts by scores of 17-3 and 19-13.

Week 11: Dolphins at Bills

The Dolphins beat the Bills twice last season and scored 30-plus points in each contest. Those wins counted for two of their four highest-scoring affairs. But these teams are two of hardest to judge coming into 2012.

They finished the season on completely opposite notes, but flip-flopped again this offseason when the Dolphins wound up without a quarterback and the Bills wound up with Mario Williams.

In a division where almost any matchup would be better, this Week 11 showdown is going to be weak.