The Detroit Lions enter the playoffs at 15-2 thanks in part to their handling of teams during their own games this season. They also tend to leave a mark strong enough that their opponents struggle the following week.
The latest example came Monday as the Minnesota Vikings fell flat in their Wild Card playoff against the Los Angeles Rams, losing 27-9 and wrapping up a quick two-week collapse that saw the team go from No. 1 seed contention at 14-2 to one-and-done in the playoffs. Teams are now 6-11 in their immediate game after playing the Lions, including teams that had a bye after facing Detroit.
All-Pro safety Kerby Joseph appeared on FanDuel TV’s “Up and Adams” with Kay Adams Tuesday and was asked about the supposed curse teams face after playing the Lions.
“Every time we beat somebody, they always continue to just lose right after,” Joseph said.
“Why do you think that is?” Adams asked.
“I think we be beating people up.”
All Pro safety Kerby Joseph on the #Lions ‘curse’ on teams after beating them
Kerby: “Every time we beat somebody they always continue to just lose right after.”
Kay: “Why do you think that is?”
Kerby: “I think we be BEATING people up.” @JKERB25 @heykayadams @Lions… pic.twitter.com/o5O7H47g5v
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) January 14, 2025
Six teams scored 14 points or fewer in their next game following the Lions and twice in the last three weeks, a team failed to even reach double digits. Along with Monday’s 27-9 loss by the Vikings, the Chicago Bears lost 6-3 to the Seattle Seahawks on a Thursday night in Week 17.
The Lions have been a physical team all season long and the effects have been lingering on teams. That effect ultimately doomed the Vikings. Of course, we’re now at the point where the Lions don’t want to see a team playing another game after facing them, because that would mean Detroit’s run to the Super Bowl would be over. Their goal is now ending other teams’ season on their own, starting Saturday in the NFC Divisional against the Washington Commanders.