The 5-1 5-2 Minnesota Vikings couldn’t escape the Detroit Lions Hangover.
The Detroit Lions hangover is a phenomenon that has taken hold of the local fanbase. The theory, in short, is that every single team that plays the Lions experiences some sort of hangover—or letdown—the following week. And the evidence that this is a real thing continues to mount. Take a look:
Week 1 opponent: Rams
- Rams’ Week 2 result: 41-10 loss to Cardinals
Week 2 opponent: Buccaneers
- Buccaneers’ Week 3 result: 26-7 loss to Broncos
Week 3 opponent: Cardinals
- Cardinals’ Week 4 result: 42-14 loss to Commanders
Week 4 opponent: Seahawks
- Seahawks’ Week 5 result: 29-20 loss to Giants
Week 6 opponent: Cowboys
- Cowboys’ Week 7 result: BYE WEEK
In Week 7, the Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings to hand them their first loss of the season. Is it possible the Lions Hangover would have them immediately lose their second game to the 2-4 Los Angeles Rams?
Indeed.
On “Thursday Night Football,” Matthew Stafford and the Rams picked apart the Vikings’ defense and settled in against Sam Darnold and the Minnesota offense. The Rams would win a tight 30-20 matchup to move to 3-4 on the season and drop the Vikings to 5-2.
Earlier in the season, Lions coach Dan Campbell was asked if he thought there could be any legitimacy to a “Lions Hangover.” He was a bit skeptical.
“I don’t know if there’s anything to that,” Campbell said. “Look, we play a certain style and it’s what we do, and no matter whether we win or lose, we always say, ‘No matter what it is, you’re going to know you were in a dog fight.’ And so, we’re trying to play that way. I don’t know what to say other than that.”
The Lions are known for playing a very physical style of play, and considering the Vikings had to play just four days later, it’s at least somewhat reasonable to believe they were still hurting from a physical loss to Detroit.
