But Howes is in no doubt his side is capable of building a case to join the serious contenders at the business end of the season.
The Demons (7-3) are growing in confidence after toppling fellow flag fancies Hawthorn last round, after defeating Brisbane and Gold Coast in an impressive start to the campaign.
And they are riding a wave of momentum into their clash with the injury-hit Western Bulldogs (5-4) at Marvel Stadium on Sunday.
"I think it's a bit early for (talk of flag contention), but we'll just back ourselves in and let the outside noise do the talking," Howes told AAP.
"We'll just come in each day, put our heads down and keep working hard, and who knows - it might lead to anything.
"It's still very early in the year and we're playing some good footy, but we want to still be doing that towards the back end of the year."
Melbourne's hot start in King's first season at the helm has taken many outsiders by surprise, after high-profile stars Christian Petracca and Clayton Oliver followed sacked premiership coach Simon Goodwin out the door.
But Howe and the Demons' group of emerging stars - including Tom Sparrow, Caleb Windsor, Harvey Langford and Koltyn Tholstrup - have stepped up and delivered with King's licence to attack.
"I didn't really think too much about win-loss records coming into this year, but there's a little bit of 'never say die' and 'anything is possible' about it," Howes said.
"We're riding the wave and having so much fun. It's exciting, but at 7-3 we'll take that in a heartbeat for sure.
"It comes down to us just believing in ourselves. I know we're a young group, but we train hard and if we just keep backing ourselves in then anything can happen."
Melbourne have made one change, resting lively forward Latrelle Pickett as Windsor returns from a toe injury.
The Bulldogs added Bailey Williams and Jedd Busslinger to an already lengthy injury list, with stars Sam Darcy, Tim English, Tom Liberatore and Cody Weightman among those unavailable.
Veteran midfielder Adam Treloar is back for his second game of the season, recalled alongside James O'Donnell, Jordan Croft, Lachie Jacques and Luke Cleary.
"Despite their injuries they're still an unbelievable team," Howes said.
"They're definitely going to be another big challenge for us under the roof - and they love playing there as well.
"We'll look forward to it and hopefully bring our best and get another dub (win)."
Melbourne return to Marvel Stadium for the second time in three weeks, having beaten West Coast in a rare home game at the Docklands venue in round nine.
"We don't play there much and it's a bit different under the roof. It's pretty quick," Howes said.
"The Dogs like to play quick footy and absolutely we do too. It will be a great challenge, but we're really looking forward to it."
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