Detroit Lions tight end Tony Scheffler, left, is tackled by Minnesota Vikings safety Husain Abdullah after a first-down catch in the second quarter.

Associated Press

The Detroit Lions capped their season with a fourth-quarter, 77-yard touchdown drive that completed a 20-13 victory against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Lions, 6-10, finished with a four-game winning streak and in third place in the NFC North. The Vikings also finished 6-10, but are in last place due to a tiebreaker.

Longtime Lions beat writer Tom Kowalski was impressed that the Lions bounced back after Minnesota's Jared Allen's 36-yard, third-quarter interception return for a touchdown cut the Lions lead to six points. Lions quarterback Shaun Hill was even able to joke about the play.

Not every Lion will be back in 2011 to see if Detroit can improve more. Linebacker Julian Peterson was a healthy scratch for the Minnesota game, and it doesn't appear he's in the plans for next season.

MORE NFL • Detroit Free Press: Columnist Drew Sharp says Lions have raised expectations • Detroit News: Columnist Terry Foster says "the Lions have a future that doesn't include the words dismal and pathetic" • Sporting News: What's next for the Lions? How about filling a need for a stud outside linebacker and a cornerback? • Minneapolis Star Tribune: Brett Favre is done, interim coach Leslie Frazier is just beginning • Yahoo Sports: Remembering Favre and this week's winners and losers in the NFL • SI.com: Here come the playoffs. And here are some thoughts heading into the postseason

NHL • MLive.com: Flyers hold off Red Wings, 3-2