I would look at it another way. Until the end of the TV contracts, that money is guaranteed. Every year they're bringing in $187.5 million from the TV deals, plus a fluid amount on top of that from licensing and merchandise. From your article, last year it was 187.5 + 56.5.
With a $167 million salary cap, the TV money along with the licensing and merchandise money likely covers their entire football budget, including player and staff salaries, travel for road games, travel for scouts, etc.
The money they bring in from tickets covers everything else. The business operations (ticket sales, advertising, chefs, utilities, facility support staff, etc.) and whatever is left from that is profit. THAT is why they are worried about fans staying home. Butts in the seats are the way that teams make a profit after paying for all the day to day operations.