I've been talking about many of the same things you mentioned with buddies at work.
The Colt's offense, particularly Manning, was the main advantage over the Chargers.
The SD defense has forced an insane amount of turnovers this year, 54 iirc. They tackle well, and go for strips, much like the Pats of the early 2000's were famous for.
Their special teams IS worlds better than Indy's. Their punter can boom it.
Their running attack is deep, and fast, and more of a threat than the fading Addai.
They're a more balanced defense than Jax or NYG, and don't seem to have a glaring weakness.
Also, their receivers are built much like Jax's, in that they have guys that are 6'3"+ and all built like fast TE's. That's going to be a tough cover for our small, not so hard hitting db's.
In the end, I like Brady to continue his smart, efficient play, and if the receivers secure the ball, the Pats will not come up as empty handed as the Colts did on trips inside SD territory. This is where the Colts could have blown this game wide open.
On the flip side, I assume BB will again focus on the run, and scheme to make Rivers or Volek have to beat the Pats, which imho, will be tougher in NE. It's going to be freezing and a qb like Rivers with his noodle arm and poor mechanics, doesn't seem like a big threat to be precise for 60 minutes.
Ten resons why Chargers will get smoked
1. They are going to play in frigid temps which they are not used to
2. they will be on the road where they got crushed in wk 2, 38-14
3. Their QB is hurt, as is their TE, and their LeClassy Tomlinturd, and Jamaal Williams their NT
4. Brady and Receiver group are gelling now afer 17 games under the belt
5. We have a healthy Sey back which we did not wk 2 (granted no Rosie)
6. Their Kicker can't hit a pressure FG if his life depended on it. imagine him trying FG's in 15F which he is not used to either
7. Pats running attack is much better now despite no Sammy Morriss. Maroney is healthy, and fresh
8. pats O line has already handled the unrelenting pass rush thrown at them by Chargers, Ravens, Steelers, Colts, Eagles, Cowboys, Giants just to name a few
9. Chargers D is fraud...328 yds passing allowed to Manning in 23-21 win over colts depite having 6 ints. Again 400 yds allowed this week. Moss, Stall, Welker, Gaffney, Watson, Faulk will have a field day. Yes 54 TO forced vs. 15 total TO be Pats all season. Pats protect the Ball !
and FINALLY
10. the zen master himself, Tom Brady.