The Chicago Bears' playoff hopes took a blow as they lost to NFC North rivals the Minnesota Vikings.

The Vikings dominated the opening quarter, with two Adrian Peterson touchdowns giving the home side a comfortable lead.

Alshon Jeffrey reduced the deficit before half-time, catching a 23-yard pass from Jay Cutler.

Cutler threw an interception in the third quarter, which Harrison Smith returned for a touchdown.

The Bears quarterback sustained a neck injury in the fourth quarter and was unable to finish the game, Jason Campbell taking his place on the field.

Campbell got Chicago back into the game with a touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall, but was unable to level the scores before time ran out.

A loss for the Bears leaves them one win behind division leaders the Green Bay Packers, while the Vikings are now just one win behind the Bears.