Chicago Bears 40, Minnesota Vikings 14

The Bears clinched the NFC North with their win last night...Bears wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester set an NFL record in the third quarter...Bears fourth-round defensive end Corey Wootton's first NFL sack may make him an answer to a trivia question.

Vikings quarterback Brett Favre made a surprise start, but was concussed early in the second quarter...Another listless performance is a sign the Vikings are ready for the off-season...Vikings punter Chris Kluwe is prepared to be fined for his critical comments on Sunday about the field conditions.

NFL News and Notes

New England Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork was praised by his head coach on Monday.

The Buffalo Bills aren't sure when center Geoff Hangartner will return to the lineup.

New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez had an MRI on his right shoulder.

Miami Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano's endorsement of Dan Henning is likely a respectable gesture, writes Jeff Darlington of The Miami Herald.

Mike Preston of The Baltimore Sun compares Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco's performance on Sunday to Trent Dilfer, in a good way.

On a short week, Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin wants to be smart in their preparations for the Panthers.

Cleveland Browns cornerback Eric Wright has landed on injured reserve.

With hobbled receivers, the Cincinnati Bengals offense may return to the rushing attack that led to the playoffs last season.

Injuries have the Indianapolis Colts looking for help at safety, writes Phil Richards of the Indianapolis Star.

Tennessee Titans head coach Jeff Fisher defended the in-season acquisition of wide receiver Randy Moss.

Jacksonville Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew took the blame for the loss in Indianapolis.

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak discussed his meetings with ownership.

Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Wallace Gilberry has been an unexpected source of quarterback pressure this season.

Denver Broncos first-round quarterback Tim Tebow will make his second NFL start on Sunday against Houston.

Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune reports the San Diego Chargers are considering franchising wide receiver Vincent Jackson.

Fourth-round wide receiver Jacoby Ford has been a bargain for the Oakland Raiders.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck will remain the team's starter, head coach Pete Carroll announced on Monday.

San Francisco 49ers head coach Mike Singletary isn't ready to name a starting quarterback for this week's must-win game in St. Louis.

Arizona Cardinals fifth-round quarterback John Skelton will start on Christmas night against the Cowboys.

To control their own playoff fate, the St. Louis Rams need to win their two remaining games.

New Orleans Saints cornerback Jabari Greer avoided a serious knee injury.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Raheem Morris second-guessed some of his decisions from Sunday.

The Atlanta Falcons can clinch their division and home-field advantage with a win over the Saints on Sunday.

Carolina Panthers running back Jonathan Stewart has powered the team's rushing attack over the last month.

The Washington Redskins will add a heated playing field to their practice facilities.

Philadelphia Eagles second-round safety Nate Allen's rookie season will have season-ending knee surgery today.

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning addressed the team during their meeting on Monday.

Dallas Cowboys interim head coach Jason Garrett is focused on improvement, not his future, writes Jan Hubbard of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

Detroit Lions quarterback Drew Stanton has a separated left shoulder, but could start this week against Miami.

The Green Bay Packers offensive line showed improvement on Sunday night.

Today's NFL birthdays: Colts long-snapper Justin Snow (34), Jaguars wide receiver Jarett Dillard (25), Redskins rookie wide receiver Brandon Banks (23), free agent running back P.J. Daniels (28), and wide receiver Brandon James (23). Retired running back Mike Alstott (37) and cornerback R.W. McQuarters (34).