Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Adrian Peterson had a pair of first-quarter touchdowns as the Minnesota Vikings handed the Chicago Bears a 21-14 loss at Mall of America Stadium.

Peterson finished the game with 154 yards on 31 carries while Christian Ponder was just 11-for-17 with 91 yards and an interception for the Vikings (7-6), who kept their playoff hopes alive by snapping a two-game losing streak.

Brandon Marshall caught 10 passes for 160 yards and a score while Jay Cutler passed for 260 yards and a touchdown on 22-of-44 attempts, but was picked off twice for the Bears, (8-5), who have dropped four of five and now sit half a game behind Green Bay for first place in the NFC North.

The Packers host the Detroit Lions on Sunday night.

The Sports Network