The Chicago Bears (10-4) smashed through the Minnesota Vikings (5-9) 40-14 to win the NFC North division title and a playoff berth in a historical game on Monday Night Football at TCF Bank Stadium in Minnesota.

Punt return specialist Devin Hester entered the NFL record books when he broke Brian Mitchell’s kickoff and punt return record of 13 touchdowns. Hester broke away easily and sped through the sideline to score on a 64-punt return in the third quarter. He is currently tied with Eric Metcalf for all time punt returns for touchdowns with 10.

This is an amazing feat by Hester; he only played in 73 games to score 14 touchdowns while it took Mitchell 223 games. Hester is only in his fifth year of the league, and if he continues at this rate, he’ll make the record unreachable for the years to come.

The Vikings scored first on a quick pass from Brett Favre, who started as quarterback on a list minute decision. RB Adrian Peterson sat out of the game. The Bears knocked out Favre in the second quarter with a head injury and that play could have been the last of his career. The Bears domination of the Vikings puts them with the division crown and in second place in the NFC.

With their win Monday, the Bears were the first team in the NFL to clinch their division. They haven’t won the NFC North since 2006 when the Bears made a Super Bowl appearance, but lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

With the collapse of the Metrodome roof last week, the game was moved outdoors for the first time since 1981.

The two remaining Bears games are key games if the team wants to get a bye in ...