San Diego wide receiver Chris Chambers (89) crosses the goal line after a 30-yard TD reception in the third quarter.

Indianapolis ? After handing New England a huge gift, the San Diego Chargers believe it’s time to give the unbeaten Patriots something else: a challenge.

And, oh yeah, a loss.

By stunning Peyton Manning and the Colts, 28-24, on Sunday, undermanned San Diego removed New England’s biggest road block to the Super Bowl. Not that the Chargers are intimidated by facing the 17-0 Patriots in the AFC title game next weekend.

San Diego will look avoid a repeat of its last performance at New England, when it was routed 38-14 in Week 2. That was the beginning of a slide to 5-5 for San Diego, but the Chargers (13-5) are rolling now.

“A lot has happened since then,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. “We’ll definitely start all over on the preparations. It’s like it’s a new team.”

Also an undermanned team. LaDainian Tomlinson departed in the first half with a bruised left knee, and Philip Rivers went out in the third quarter with a damaged right knee. Both said they hoped to be ready for the Patriots, and coach Norv Turner said they are “questionable.”

“That’s the true measure of a team,” Tomlinson said. “Guys stepped up and got it done.”

Those guys included Billy Volek at quarterback and Michael Turner as the main runner. Led by those subs, San Diego went 78 yards on eight plays, with Volek sneaking in from the one with 4:50 remaining for the lead. The Chargers’ big-play defense then held on downs at its seven and stopped Indy again in the final moments to preserve their eighth straight win.

To make it nine in a row and advance to their second Super Bowl – the other was a loss to San Francisco after the 1994 season – the Chargers will need that resourcefulness.

For the Colts (13-4), it was a bitterly quick elimination from the postseason.

A defense that allowed the fewest points during the season wore down against the equally physical Chargers. Still, the Colts went in front 24-21 when Anthony Gonzalez slipped past Marlon McCree down the left sideline to complete a 55-yard scoring play with 10:07 to go.

San Diego’s backups then won it, helped by a 27-yard screen pass to rookie Legedu Naanee and a 15-yard face-mask penalty.

Manning did throw for 402 yards, completing 33 of his 48 throws, but both interceptions killed deep scoring threats.

With All-Pro cornerback Antonio Cromartie getting an interception and fumble recovery, and LBs Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips frustrating Manning, the Chargers showed they have the ability to throw off any offense. Maybe even the most prolific attack in NFL history next Sunday.

“I’m pretty sure we’ll be huge underdogs, but it’s still going to be fun, just to get the opportunity,” Tomlinson said. “All the rest of the teams have had their opportunity to play New England, and we’ll get another opportunity to do so in the AFC championship game. What a better way to go back there.”