Vikings QB Jackson to start on Sunday

Dec 18, 2008 - 7:31 PM EDEN PRAIRIE, Minnesota (Ticker) - The Minnesota Vikings will stick with quarterback Tarvaris Jackson for this weekend's home game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell announced Thursday that Jackson will start Sunday and that Gus Frerotte will back him up.

The 37-year-old Frerotte has not played since suffering a fracture in his lower back in the second quarter of a 20-16 win at Detroit in Week 14.

Starting in place of Frerotte last Sunday at Arizona, Jackson turned in the best performance of his career, completing 11-of-17 passes for 163 yards and a career-high four touchdowns.

Jackson opened the year as Minnesota's starter but his inconsistent play landed him on the bench following Minnesota's 0-2 start.

Minnesota (9-5), which posted its fourth straight win, remained one game ahead of Chicago (8-6) in the NFC North.

The Vikings can clinch the division title with a victory over Atlanta (9-5), which also is fighting for a playoff spot.