Detroit is 3-0 for the first time since 1980 and it's not a fluke.

The Lions right now are who the Cowboys want to be. Detroit has one of the three best defensive fronts, arguably the top wide receiver in Calvin Johnson and an elite quarterback, Matthew Stafford.

Johnson leads the league in touchdown receptions with six despite going against quality cornerbacks Brandon Flowers and Aqib Talib. Stafford is averaging 313 yards passing. He has thrown 15 touchdowns and only been picked off three times in his last five games. Injuries have been the only thing that has kept him from greatness.

The youthful Lions probably should have lost last week at Minnesota. However, they overcame a 20-0 halftime deficit. Yes, some of that is on the Vikings and their terrible coaching. But the Lions also showed a lot of mental toughness coming from behind in a tough road setting against a desperate division foe.

The Lions pulled the game out just two minutes into overtime. So fatigue shouldn't factor especially this early in the season with a young team. Detroit is 8-1 ATS following a victory.

Dallas, meanwhile, is playing on a short week off an emotionally draining home win against Washington. The Cowboys were lucky to win that game. They are 1-6 ATS the past seven times they've been home chalk. The Cowboys lost and failed to cover in both games last year following their game against Washington.

Dallas is far more banged-up than Detroit. Tony Romo is dealing with assorted injuries, including a painful rib injury and a punctured lung. If the Cowboys didn't have a bye next week they might even sit Romo.

Romo isn't the only key Dallas skill position player hurt. Miles Austin is out with a hamstring injury and Dez Bryant is going to be a game-time decision as he's dealing with a lingering quad strain. Those are the Cowboys' two best wide receivers by far. The rest of Dallas' wideouts can't be trusted to even know the plays. Romo isn't helped either by a porous offensive line.

Demarcus Ware is a monster pass rusher, but he alone can't hide Dallas' defensive backfield deficiencies, especially where 33-year-old Terence Newman is going to be no match for Johnson.