NFL: Minnesota 35, Arizona 14

GLENDALE, Ariz., Dec. 14 (UPI) -- Bernard Berrian returned a punt 82 yards and caught one of Tarvaris Jackson's four touchdown passes Sunday, boosting the Minnesota Vikings past Arizona 35-14.

The Vikings (9-5) won their fourth straight and stayed a game in front of Chicago in the race for the NFC North title. A win by Minnesota or a loss by Chicago during the final two weeks of the season would give the Vikings their first playoff berth in four years and their first division crown since 2000.

Arizona (8-6) has already clinched the division title in the weak NFC West.

Jackson, who opened the season as Minnesota's starter, reappeared Sunday when Gus Frerotte had to sit out the game with a sore back. Jackson completed only 11 passes, but four of them went for scores.

Minnesota got started when Berrian brought a punt back 82 yards for a touchdown less than 4 minutes into the game and opened up a 28-0 halftime lead. Berrian also caught Jackson's first scoring pass, a 41-yarder, and Jackson added a 6-yard touchdown throw to Sidney Rice and an 11-yarder to Chester Taylor in the first half.

After the Vikings had cut their deficit to 28-14, Jackson found Bobby Wade with a 59-yard touchdown pass with 17 seconds left in the third period.

Arizona's Kurt Warner threw 45 times, completing 29 for 270 yards.