Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell. Matt Kartozian-Imagn Images

Are these teams victims of a 'Detroit Lions hangover'?

By Bennett Silvyn | Last updated Oct 10, 2024 11:18 AM ET

NFL fans are familiar with the "Super Bowl hangover," a phenomenon where the team that loses the big game often struggles to return to postseason form the following year.

But in 2024, a new type of hangover may be emerging — and this one centers on the Detroit Lions (3-1).

The Lions apparently are so physically and mentally taxing on their opponents that teams struggle in their next game. Here's the rundown, which includes three blowouts:

Week 2: Rams (following Week 1 loss to the Lions) lose 41-10 to the Arizona Cardinals.

Week 3: Buccaneers (following Week 2 win over the Lions) lose 26-7 to the Denver Broncos.

Week 4: Cardinals (following Week 3 loss to the Lions) lose 42-14 to the Washington Commanders.

Week 5: Seahawks (following Week 4 loss to the Lions) lose 29-20 to the Giants.

A reporter recently asked Detroit head coach Dan Campbell about the "hangover" theory:

Dan Campbell asked by @DetroitOnLion about the #Lions hangover...

"I don't know if there's anything to that."

"We play a certain style and it's what we do. No matter whether we win or lose...you're gonna know you were in a dog fight, and so we're trying to play that way."
— Nolan Bianchi (@nolanbianchi) October 7, 2024

The Lions had a bye in Week 5, but Week 6 could provide more insight. Detroit plays Sunday at the Dallas Cowboys, who will have their bye in Week 7. This opens up the possibility of extending this unusual streak in Week 8 when Dallas plays at the San Francisco 49ers.

Additionally, the Minnesota Vikings, who face the Lions at home in Week 7, have a Thursday night game at the Los Angeles Rams in Week 8, giving them a quick turnaround.

Whether this trend is the result of Detroit’s physical play, the emotional toll of facing a surging team or just coincidence, it’s an intriguing development to watch as the season unfolds.

For now, the "Detroit Lions hangover" remains a curious storyline that could gain more traction if it continues.

Bennett Silvyn

Bennett Silvyn expects to graduate in May 2024 from the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in sports journalism and minors in business, marketing and sports management. Silvyn has interned in marketing and social media for the Arizona Sports and Entertainment Commission, as a reporter for Arizona Foothills Magazine, in sponsorships for the Arizona Rattlers and in social and digital media for FC Tucson. Silvyn has also reported for the Walter Cronkite Sports Network and The State Press

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