The 5-1 Minnesota Vikings couldn’t shake off the Detroit Lions Hangover.

This phenomenon has gripped the local fanbase, suggesting that every team facing the Lions experiences a sort of letdown the following week. Evidence supporting this theory continues to accumulate. Consider the following:

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 Vikings, handing them their first loss of the season. Could the Lions Hangover have led to the Vikings losing their next game against the 2-4 Los Angeles Rams?

On “Thursday Night Football,” Matthew Stafford and the Rams exploited the Vikings’ defense while shutting down Sam Darnold and Minnesota’s offense. The Rams secured a narrow 30-20 victory, improving to 3-4 and dropping the Vikings to 5-2.

Earlier this season, Lions coach Dan Campbell was asked about the potential legitimacy of a “Lions Hangover.” He expressed skepticism.

“I don’t know if there’s anything to that,” Campbell said. “We play a certain style, and regardless of the outcome, we always say, ‘You’re going to know you were in a dog fight.’ We’re trying to play that way. I don’t have much more to add.”

The Lions are known for their physical style of play, and considering the Vikings played just four days later, it’s reasonable to think they were still feeling the effects of a tough game against Detroit.