Why Ray Lewis' Return from Injury Will Make Baltimore Ravens AFC Favorites

Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis isn't the player he used to be, but he still makes a serious impact on every game he's on the field for. A month ago, he suffered a foot injury against the Seattle Seahawks and has been sidelined ever since. However, the good news for Baltimore is that the 12-time Pro Bowler is feeling much better and could be back soon.

While the Ravens haven't suffered much without him, they need Lewis back if they hope to reach the Super Bowl. They have won four-straight games in his absence, but make no mistake, he is the emotional leader of the team and the heart of its vaunted defense. 

Baltimore is currently 10-3 and that puts them in a tie with three other teams atop the AFC. The Ravens have to keep winning if they want to secure a first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage throughout. 

An added bonus of nabbing a first-round bye would be that it would give Baltimore's ailing stars an extra week off. That obviously would include Lewis.

While it would be nice for the Ravens to have their monster middle linebacker return during the regular season, they need to think long-term. Lewis has said that he has wanted to play the last four weeks but that the coaches are "being smart with it." Obviously, that's the right move.

Baltimore travels to San Diego for a Sunday night showdown with the Chargers this week. Having Lewis would help, but the longer the Ravens can win with him sidelined and healing up, the better off they will be.

If he can return at 100 percent for the playoffs, with Baltimore having home-field throughout, the Ravens will be very difficult to beat.