Minneapolis: The Chicago Bears roughed up Minnesota quarterback Brett Favre before clinching the NFC North Division with a 40-14 rout of the Vikings in a chilly Monday Night Football clash.
The Bears (10-4) ignored the steady snowfall to dominate every phase of the game at the University of Minnesota's TCF Bank Stadium to book their ticket into the playoffs.
Favre, who made a surprise start one week after his NFL record of 297 consecutive starts was snapped, was knocked out of the game in the second quarter after being slammed head-first into the frozen turf.
He did not return to the contest but was healthy enough to address reporters after the game.
"That was one of the few times in my career I kind of went blank," Favre said after completing 5-of-7 passes with one TD and one interception. "I knew it would be my last home game. I don't regret the decision (to play)."
Chicago's Jay Cutler threw two of his three touchdown passes in the first half and Devin Hester scored on a 64-yard punt return that gave him an NFL record 14 career kickoff or punt return TDs.
Hester's big play gave Chicago a 27-7 advantage in the third quarter en route to their sixth win in seven games. "It feels great. It's a big load off my back and my teammates," said Hester, of his record, as he became emotional when talking about his team.
First division title
"They want it as bad as I do. I really love those guys. All the glory goes (to them)."
Hester also caught one TD pass to help the Bears earn their first division title since 2006.
Already eliminated from the playoffs, Minnesota (5-9) played without leading rusher Adrian Peterson, who missed the game with a thigh injury. The Vikings had to turn to rookie third-string QB Joe Webb, who ran for one score but tossed two interceptions in the loss. The game was played at TCF Bank Stadium after the inflatable roof at the Vikings' regular home, the Metrodome, collapsed during a snowstorm.
