Bears win North, knock out QB Favre

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS

Brett Favre’s surprise return ended quickly and Devin Hester set an NFL record with his 14th career return for a touchdown, leading the Chicago Bears to a 40-14 victory over the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night at snowy TCF Bank Stadium.

After being ruled out on Saturday with a sprained right shoulder, Favre recovered in time to start. He completed five of seven passes for 63 yards with one touchdown and an interception for the Vikings (5-9) before getting knocked out of the game with a head injury in the second quarter.

The Bears (10-4) clinched the NFC North title behind Hester, who returned a punt 64 yards for a TD in the third quarter and also caught a 15-yard TD pass.

The game was played at the University of Minnesota’s outdoor stadium after the Metrodome’s roof collapsed last weekend.

Hester returned the opening kickoff of the second half 79 yards to set up Robbie Gould’s second field goal of the game, then returned a punt 64 yards for a score later in the third quarter to give the Bears a 27-7 lead.

Hester, who also caught a 15-yard TD in the second quarter, broke Brian Mitchell’s NFL record with his 14th career return for a score.

Favre was 5 for 7 for 63 yards with one touchdown and one interception before Wootton beat left tackle Bryant McKinnie on a speed rush.