NFL

So there seems to be this idea that the NFL has strong motivation to put really good games on Monday and Thursday nights, simply because they are prime time slots. Probably because places where it's discussed r/nfl, sports shows, etc are made up over above average NFL fans who will watch any game they can. The more typical fan is probably much more inclined to watch their favorite team, which is typically their local market team as well as games on Sundays. MNF and TNF run late on weekdays when people are busy and have to work or go to school the next day.

The most likely explanation for the shit games in those times lot, which is nothing new, is that the NFL has found marquee match-up provide a bigger ratings boost in the SNF and 4:30 national slot. Where as MNF and TNF show similar viewership regardless of game quality. Big market teams will continue to get MNF because a team's specific fans are probably the largest sector of viewers for that slot so it's more important to have a large fan base than a good team in terms of ratings.

The NFL and their broadcast partners are really good at making money via football broadcasts, so it's pretty nieve to think they are not making decisions like this purposefully, and that it is not in general a successful strategy.