Adrian Peterson has learned how to manage contact as his NFL career has progressed.

Since returning from knee surgery, Peterson is more conscious of taking meaningless contact.

"There's different situations that might come up in the game," Peterson said. "Third-and-8, you got four guys pursuing me, I can go out of bounds on that play. Third-and-3, and I got to grind it and stick it up in there, that's exactly what I'm going to do." 

Percy Harvin is inactive for the Minnesota Vikings against the Bears.

Harvin didn't make the trip with the Vikings to Chicago.

Harvin injured his ankle three weeks ago.

Adrian Peterson has made an improbable return from major knee surgery and has rushed for 153, 123 182 and 171 yards rushing over the past four weeks.

Peterson believes his recovery is ongoing and isn't 100 percent back to his pre-injury strength.

"Last week in Seattle, on one run, I felt scar tissue break up around my patella tendon on one of my cuts,'' said Peterson. "That's part of the recovery, that scar tissue breaking.''

The Minnesota Vikings defeated their division rival Detroit Lions with a 34-24 win on the legs of Adrian Peterson.

The Vikings had a +7.1 advantage in The Trench Counter, rushing 5.4 yards per carry and have a 2-0 win on turnovers. Minnesota had a +14 edge in Total Rushes/Completions.

Peterson rushed 27 times for 171 yards and a touchdown. 

Christian Ponder gave the Vikings their first two touchdowns, connecting with Jarius Wright in the first quarter and Kyle Rudolph to begin the fourth. Ponder finished 24-for-32 for 221 yards.

Matthew Stafford went 28-for-42 for 329 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Calvin Johnson caught 12 balls for 207 yards and a late touchdown.

The Seattle Seahawks improved to 4-0 at home with a 30-20 win over the Minnesota Vikings. Both teams now have a 5-4 record on the season.

The Seahawks had a +11.2 advantage in The Trench Counter, recording 12 more first downs and winning the turnover battle 2-0. Seattle had an edge of +24 in Total Rushes/Completions.

Russell Wilson went 16-for-24 for 173 yards and three touchdowns. Golden Tate caught two touchdowns, while Sidney Rice had one touchdown and 54 yards receiving.

Marshawn Lynch rushed 26 times for 124 yards and a touchdown.

Adrian Peterson was even better in a losing effort for the Vikings, rushing 17 times for 182 yards and two touchdowns.

But Christian Ponder went 11-for-22 for just 63 yards and an interception.