In a purely relative sense, the NFL is clearly the most fortunate of the major sports leagues with regard to the timing of this COVID-19 crisis. While other leagues have suspended operations with their season upon them, the NFL can strategically watch and wait to gauge the efficacy of (1) sequestering multiple teams in one location to play games without fans, as well as (2) advances in testing and treatments in coming months. The NFL can learn from other sports that attempt to operate, or not, in the weeks and months ahead.
Although we will still be facing a world without a vaccine and a continued risk of contagion in the fall, the NFL is saying it will play this season, giving its players, fans, media and business partners much-needed hope for a season ahead.