The difference between last year and this year is the defense. As long as this defense plays bend-but-don't-break but don't give up the points, this limited offense does have a chance to get into the playoffs.
I think you are missing Phillip Rivers. He is an elite QB in the AFC along with Brady, BigBen and Alex Smith. May be David Carr is also at a higher level than Tyrod. Everyone else is worse or at the same level as Tyrod.