Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys: Last Minute Spread Info and Predictions

After starting off 3-0, the Detroit Lions will receive their first major test when they face the 2-1 Dallas Cowboys at Cowboy Stadium on Sunday. Long the laughingstock of the NFL, the Lions look to be a legitimate contender this season and will have an opportunity to prove it.

The Lions seemed to be on the ropes last week down 20-0 at halftime against the Minnesota Vikings, but quarterback Matthew Stafford led Detroit to a furious comeback. Not only do the Lions have an explosive passing game, but their pass rush on defense makes them a complete team.

Dallas began the season inauspiciously by blowing a late lead against the New York Jets, but the Cowboys have bounced back to start off 2-1. Quarterback Tony Romo has staged gutty comebacks in back-to-back weeks despite cracked ribs and a lung puncture.

The Cowboys are ailing with Romo, Felix Jones, Miles Austin and Dez Bryant all dealing with injuries. Despite that, the Cowboys are razor-thin favorites against a Detroit team with plenty left to prove on Sunday.

When: Sunday, Oct. 2 at 1 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX

Spread: Dallas Cowboys (-1)

Over/Under: 46 

Prediction

At full strength, the Lions and Cowboys are evenly matched, but Dallas looks to be severely compromised by injuries at this point. Romo, Jones and Bryant should all play, but none of them will be 100 percent, while Austin is almost assuredly out.

If Detroit's pass rush of Ndamukong Suh, Cliff Avril and Kyle Vanden Bosch can get into the Dallas backfield, then Romo and the Cowboys will have an extremely tough time moving the ball. Detroit is certainly going to score some points, so defense will be key.

Lions win, 28-24.