NFL: Vikings keep Lions winless with 20-16 victory

DETROIT — The Detroit Lions took another big step toward making NFL history.

Tarvaris Jackson threw a go-ahead touchdown pass early in the fourth quarter and the Minnesota Vikings held on for a 20-16 victory over the winless Lions on Sunday.

The Lions (0-13) had chances to win, just as they did in a two-point loss at Minnesota, but couldn't make enough plays, just as they have failed to throughout a miserable season.

The Vikings (8-5) lost starting quarterback Gus Frerotte to a back injury, but Jackson filled in well and kept them atop the NFC North.

At this point, Detroit is expected to finish the season as the first 0-16 team in league history, with games remaining at Indianapolis, against New Orleans and at Green Bay.

The Lions are the fourth team to start 0-13 or worse since 1976, when Tampa Bay infamously finished 0-14 as an expansion team.

However, the 2007 Dolphins (0-13), 1986 Colts (0-13) and 1980 Saints (0-14) avoided the dubious distinction of being the first team to finish winless since the league lengthened the regular season in 1978.

The Vikings had defensive tackles Pat Williams and Kevin Williams on the field after the NFL Players Association helped to at least delay their suspensions for testing positive in training camp for a banned diuretic that can be used to mask steroids.

The run-stuffing lineman held Kevin Smith to 63 yards and freed up Jared Allen to make two sacks, giving him 12 1/2 this season to break a single-season record for the Vikings.

Minnesota lost Frerotte for the second half after he injured his lower back during a first half in which he threw two interceptions.

Jackson, who was replaced by Frerotte after an 0-2 start, was 8-of-10 for 105 yards with a TD.

NFL rushing leader Adrian Peterson ran for 103 yards on 23 carries.

Daunte Culpepper was 14-of-24 for 220 yards against his old team. He reminded fans of his glory years, perfectly heaving a pass to Calvin Johnson for a 70-yard TD that gave Detroit a 13-10 lead in the third period.

Jackson helped the Vikings score two go-ahead touchdowns in the second half.

His 11-yard pass to Visanthe Shiancoe put Minnesota ahead 17-13 early in the fourth quarter.