Thursday Night Football Schedule 2013: Breaking Down Biggest Remaining Matchups

It can certainly be argued that the Thursday Night Football slate on NFL Network hasn't featured many entertaining or meaningful games to this point, but there is still plenty of time left for things to turn around.

Thursday's clash between the Chicago Bears and winless New York Giants may not pump up football fans. However, better days are on the horizon.

Since almost every team gets a game on Thursday night, there are bound to be some less-than-ideal matchups. For example, it's hard to imagine too many fans circling Dec. 5 on their calendars, as that is when the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars will lock horns.

With that said, here are three upcoming Thursday Night Football matchups that could very well have playoff and even historical implications.

Denver Broncos vs. San Diego Chargers

The Denver Broncos may not be a perfect team, but it's tough to argue against the notion that they are presently the best team in the league.

Not only is the offense on pace to be among the most prolific in NFL history—quarterback Peyton Manning has led Denver to averages of 46 points and 490 total yards per game through five contests—but the defense is holding up its end of the bargain as well by allowing fewer than 70 rushing yards per game.

All of that adds up to a dominant team with a legitimate chance to finish the season 16-0. There are definitely some land mines along the way, but Denver seems to have the talent necessary to have an unblemished season.

The New England Patriots became the first team to go 16-0 during the regular season in 2007, but they might have company.

It remains to be seen if the Broncos will place any value on a perfect season, but Cari Champion of ESPN's First Take is one of many who would like to see it.

Assuming the Broncos are able to get to 13-0, they will take on the San Diego Chargers in the final Thursday Night Football game of the season on Dec. 12. Denver would still have to beat the Houston Texans and Oakland Raiders after the Bolts to preserve a perfect regular season, but there could be plenty on the line.

Also, while the Chargers are currently just 2-3, they could easily be 4-1 if not for some late-game collapses.

Provided San Diego continues to perform above expectations, this game may have playoff implications as well.

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins

With so many AFC teams seemingly in playoff contention this season, it should be an incredibly interesting race moving forward.

Among the teams that are currently on the borderline at 3-2 are the Cincinnati Bengals and Miami Dolphins. The Bengals are tied for first in the AFC North with the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens, while the Dolphins are just one game behind the 4-1 New England Patriots in the AFC East.

A lot can change by the time they lock horns on Thursday Night Football on Oct. 31, but it's hard to imagine either team falling out of it.

The Bengals were considered the preseason favorites to win the AFC North, and while they have had a couple of missteps, they are coming off a huge win over the Patriots during which their defense broke Tom Brady's lengthy streak of consecutive games with a touchdown pass.

The Dolphins are moving in the other direction after a 3-0 start, as they have lost to the New Orleans Saints and Ravens over the past couple of weeks.

Even so, quarterback Ryan Tannehill is developing nicely for Miami and its defense has come up with some timely plays to the tune of 10 forced turnovers.

The main concern for the Bengals rests under center, as it remains to be seen if Andy Dalton can lead them any further than the first round of the playoffs.

Everything else is in place, and he'll have an opportunity to show what he is made of at Miami later in the month.

Indianapolis Colts vs. Tennessee Titans

Late-season divisional matchups are always of interest, and that will certainly be the case when the Tennessee Titans host the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 14.

After a magical season that saw the team reach the playoffs last year, there were plenty of questions regarding Indy's ability to equal or better that performance. With a 4-1 record and victories over the likes of the San Francisco 49ers and Seattle Seahawks, though, it looks like the Colts are for real.

According to NFL Network, NFL.com columnist Judy Battista went so far as to call them the second-best team in the AFC.

Based on what they have done thus far, it's tough to argue with that assessment.

Quarterback Andrew Luck has been even better in his second season, the defense has improved by leaps and bounds under head coach Chuck Pagano and the acquisition of Trent Richardson has given Indianapolis the threat of a running game.

The Titans are going to do everything in their power to ensure that the AFC South isn't a runaway, however.

With a record of 3-2, Tennessee has already performed well beyond expectations. The Titans very nearly beat the Texans and had a chance against the Kansas City Chiefs last week as well, so a 5-0 record wouldn't be out of the question if a few more bounces had gone their way.

Defense has been the Titans' calling card, as they are allowing just 19 points and 321 total yards per game. They have proven capable of bogging down some solid offenses, so it will be interesting to see what they can do against the Colts.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter