For the second time in less than a month, Favre sliced up his former team yesterday and stuck it to the franchise that cast him aside as the Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers, 38-26.

Jeered by Packers fans who once cheered his every move, Favre completed 17 of 28 passes for 244 yards and four touchdowns, and the Vikings (7-1) took a firm hold on the NFC North.

While knowing that Packers fans "cheer for the Packers first," Favre said, "I hope that everyone in the stadium watching tonight said, 'I sure hate those jokers on the other side, but he does play the way he's always played.' "

Rookie receiver Percy Harvin caught five passes for 84 yards and a touchdown and had five returns for 175 yards, but didn't mind yielding the spotlight to Favre.

"He's played this game a long time. He sees a lot of stuff that a lot of quarterbacks can't see, and he can make a lot of throws that a lot of quarterbacks can't make," Harvin said. "With us being explosive, to add him was like a blessing in disguise."

The Vikings sacked Favre's successor, Aaron Rodgers, six times. But with Green Bay (4-3) on the verge of getting routed, Rodgers rebounded with three second-half touchdowns.

He said losing to a division rival meant more than being beaten by Favre.

"I hate losing to whoever's the quarterback for them," Rodgers said.

But Packers cornerback Charles Woodson acknowledged that the game was significant beyond the standings.

"I think a lot of people really wanted this one bad," he said. "We let a lot of people down today."

Green Bay 3 0 17 6 – 26

First quarter

GB–FG Crosby 37, 5:05.

Min–Peterson 1 run (Longwell kick), 1:17.

Second quarter

Min–Shiancoe 12 pass from Favre (Longwell kick), 10:42.

Min–FG Longwell 41, :09.

Third quarter