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 today.

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› 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.

The Lions seemed in position to get the lead back, but a third-down completion to Johnson to the 8 was overturned by replay. They settled for a field goal on fourth-and-11 from the 21.

The Vikings opened the ensuing drive with Peterson's 25-run run. Jackson converted a third down by connecting with Bobby Wade, and Minnesota moved into field-goal range with a 12-yard pass to Chester Taylor.

Ryan Longwell capped the 5-plus minute drive with a 50-yard kick.

Detroit's last hope was dashed when Ray Edwards stripped the ball from Culpepper as he tried to heave it downfield.

Drew Henson came in for the final play and was sacked in a fitting end to loss 13.

Early on, it looked like Detroit might beat the Vikings, just as it did with an 0-12 record in 2001. The Lions' much-maligned defense made big plays near midfield on the Vikings' first two possessions, sacking Frerotte on a third down and intercepting a pass.

The Lions drove to the Minnesota 4 and 5 on their first two drives, but had to settle for Jason Hanson's field goals and a 6-0 lead early in the second quarter. It proved to be costly missed opportunities.

After Peterson's fumble was overturned by replay, Longwell kicked a 35-yard field goal to pull the Vikings within three.

Detroit turned over the ball on downs on its next two possessions at the Minnesota 31 and the 5, wasting chances to lead by more than 6-3 at halftime.