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Looking at the options the NFL has for Steelers vs Ravens

Thanks to the Baltimore Ravens and their inability to maintain COVID-19 protocols, the game between them and the Pittsburgh Steelers is now in serious jeopardy. The Ravens are piling up positive COVID-19 tests with the latest being starting quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore has a full-blown outbreak on its hands and this is going to force the NFL to intervene. But what will that look like? There are three realistic options and here they are.

Play the game on Sunday

Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

In cases like this, the NFL has to balance between the money lost by playing and player safety. It might be a longshot that this game happens on Sunday but I don't think anyone should be shocked if the league says to play it and see what happens. The decision then falls on the Steelers and how safe they feel being on the field with a team that completely mishandled this situation.

The Ravens forfeit

(AP Photo/Terrance Williams)

The NFL could force the Ravens to forfeit. This would give the Steelers a true bye week and extend their record to 11-0 while not being unnecessarily exposed in a game. This would be the least appealing to the NFL but they might not have another choice.

Game moves to Week 18

(AP Photo/Nick Wass)

At this point, this feels like the most likely solution. If the Steelers do move this game to the end of the year, activating their Week 18 scenario it completely changes the landscape of the NFL playoffs.