Favre knocked out, Bears clinch division

Published 10:58 pm Monday, December 20, 2010

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — 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.

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