The Chicago Bears soundly defeated the Minnesota Vikings 40-14 in a game that featured a number of underlying themes, including what might have be the swan song of Brett Favre's 20-year Hall of Fame career.

Favre, who was listed as questionable just hours prior to kick-off in snowy Minneapolis, was named the surprise starter for the Vikings -- however, Favre was knocked out in the second quarter by a head injury. His successor, rookie Joe Webb, struggled, while Bears quarterback Jay Cutler tossed three touchdown passes.

Moreover, Bears receiver Devin Hester set an NFL record with his fourteenth kick-off return on a 64-yard run, amidst a cornucopia of Chicago scoring.

The victory gave coach Lovie Smith's Bears their first division crown since their 2006 Super Bowl campaign.

Favre finished 5-for-7 for 63 yards.

The game was played outdoors in the bitter wintry cold of the University of Minnesota. TCF Bank Stadium since the Vikings' regular home The Metrodome was damaged by last week's heavy snowfall that made its teflon roof collapse.

NFL National Football League