Since the Lions seized the shocking season opener against the Chiefs, it has been clear that they were arguably the most underrated team heading into the season.

Jared Goff and Detroit’s offense already earned respect in 2022, finishing with top-five output, however, the porous defense negated any potential to make the playoffs.

These defensive woes haven’t been completely mended, but they’ve been stabilized enough to clinch the NFC North and earn the Lions their first trip to the postseason since 2016.

You would have thought we had seen everything that Goff had to offer after the Rams traded him almost three years ago.

He now sits at No. 3 overall in passing yards with 3,984, and his 67.7 completion percentage ranks at No. 5.

In fact, Goff has hit the 60 percent mark in 16 of his last 17 games.

He’s operating an offense that is firing on all cylinders no matter the opponent.

Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery have proved to be the league’s most effective backfield platoon, gaining the third-most yards (141.1) per game.

Beyond Amon-Ra St. Brown’s ascent to the elite echelon of wide receivers, Sam LaPorta is three touchdowns away from tying the tight end record for most touchdowns in a rookie season.

Goff heads into Saturday’s prime-time matchup against the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium with a 9-3 record against above-.500 SU opponents dating back to last season.

Over the last five years, Goff has been the most profitable quarterback against the spread at 49-28-1.

In the time Goff has been in Detroit, the seemingly inferior brand of the Lions has caused bookmakers headaches as Detroit’s 33-16 ATS is the best mark in the NFL.

Dallas is still alive for the NFC East title after facing setbacks against the Dolphins and Bills.

Dak Prescott coughed up two turnovers and threw for just as many touchdown passes.

His MVP campaign took a hit, but Prescott has still been one of the league’s most consistent quarterbacks.

His rapport with Cee Dee Lamb has been nearly indomitable; the two have connected for nine scores and 1,424 yards — a career season for Lamb.

I think this kind of name value — and the expectation for a Cowboys rebound — is playing a role here.

The line for this game opened at -3.5 and has inflated to -6 since.

Dallas remains at No. 6 in overall DVOA with Detroit looking over its shoulder at No. 7.

That same sentiment should be reflected on the field Saturday night — we just need to look beyond the subconscious brand value behind both “America’s Team” and the Lions.

The play: Lions +5.5.