OK, here’s the question of the day: Are the 3-0 Detroit Lions for real?

My answer is yes, but don’t plan the Super Bowl parade route just yet.

Before the season started I predicted a 9-7 record and I thought if they came out of the first four games (three on the road) with a 2-2 record that would be a good thing.

Well, they’re 3-0 and could be 4-0 heading into the Monday Night Football game on Oct. 10 vs. the Bears.

However, Sunday at Dallas will provide a multitude of challenges. It’s a tough place to play as we saw on Monday night when they beat the Redskins. And Tony Romo is one tough guy. However, the Cowboys will be coming in with one less day of rest and preparation which is an advantage for Detroit.

Bigger yet, is that the Lions believe in themselves. Obviously that showed after they were down 20-0 at the half and came back to win 26-23 in OT at Minnesota.

Nationally the Lions are getting recognition too.

ESPN hadn’t bought in after the first two wins putting them at 11th in their weekly power rankings. This week they’ve jumped up to fourth behind the Packers, Saints and Patriots. Nice company to keep.

John Clayton comments: “It’s starting to look like the Lions have enough to finally make a playoff run.’’

ProFootballTalk.com goes one better with the Lions at No. 3 behind the Packers and Saints. They have the Cowboys at 13th while ESPN has Dallas at 11th.

It’s a great start for the Lions who have been NFL doormats way too long. How long will it last? They’re going to lose at least a few. But if they stay healthy they should be on their way to the playoffs.

What are you thinking? So many of you wrote in that I was way off base when I picked them to finish at 9-7, thought I was being too generous. Still thinking that way?

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche. Get Lions news delivered directly to your phone by texting the keyword "Lions" to 22700.)