DETROIT, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- Tarvaris Jackson's fourth-quarter TD pass Sunday helped Minnesota escape with a 20-16 win over winless Detroit and retain first place in the NFC North.
Jackson, benched early in the season for lackluster play, replaced the injured Gus Frerotte in the second quarter and completed 8-of-10 passes for 105 yards with no interceptions.
Before he hurt his back, Frerotte went 7-for-10 for 70 yards and two interceptions.
Adrian Peterson rushed for 102 yards on 23 carries and caught one pass for 15 yards.
Chester Taylor scored once, while Ryan Longwell kicked two field goals for the Vikings (8-5), who have won three straight.
Minnesota maintained its one-game lead over Chicago for first place in the North Division.
Daunte Culpepper, a former Viking who came out of retirement mid-season, led Detroit with 14 completions on 24 attempts for 220 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions.
Calvin Johnson scored once on three catches for 84 yards, and Jason Hanson kicked three field goals for the 0-13 Lions, whose last victory was 25-20 against Kansas City last Dec. 23.
