NFL Power Rankings: Detroit Lions Not Playoff Contenders Just Yet

There is no doubting that the Detroit Lions are a much improved team, but there is still one more hurdle they need to jump before we should consider them a legitimate playoff contender:

They need to beat a legitimate playoff contender.

If there is one glaring flaw in the Lions perfect 3-0 start that would be it; and coming from a guy that has been known to rip the Lions a new one from time to time, that is a pretty revealing statement.

Sure, they haven’t looked good against the run, and they have made their fair share of dumb mistakes, but all-in-all they have overcome those flaws as any good team should.

Matthew Stafford is finally showing what he can do and the results are pretty impressive.

Through three games he is 79-of-118 for 977 yards, nine touchdowns and two interceptions.

He has the hands-down best receiver in the league to throw to in Calvin Johnson, who has an incredible six touchdowns on only 16 receptions so far.

Defensively, the Lions have arguably the best young defensive lineman in the game in Ndamukong Suh, and the secondary is holding up better than expected.

The Lions have been impressive, but they have done so against three teams that are a collective 2-7.

Here is what Rob Parker of ESPN and ClickOnDetroit.com had to say about the Lions start via his Twitter:

While Parker’s tweets may have attacked Lions fans for being excited about the 3-0 start, it’s undeniable that he makes a good point.

The Lions need to beat a legitimate team in order to be considered a legitimate team.

The NFC North is arguably the best division in football, and they are going to have their hands full with Green Bay Packers, also 3-0.

Looking forward they also have tough matchups against Dallas, Atlanta and Chicago.

It’s been a great start, but let’s check back in after all those games to see where the Lions stand.

I do want to congratulate the Lions and their fans for a great start of the season, but now it’s time to prove that they are more than just a good story.

Perhaps when that happens we can start talking about the playoffs.