ESPN analyst Joe Theismann answers five key questions about the NFL's Week 17:

Which offense will be the hardest to contain in the playoffs?
The top three are all from the AFC, in this order: the Oakland Raiders, the New York Jets and the Tennessee Titans.

QB Rich Gannon sets Oakland apart. He manages Oakland's West Coast offense with precision and skill. Gannon distributes the ball so effectively, and he has proven veterans in WRs Jerry Rice and Tim Brown who know how to win.

The Jets' receivers, by contrast, are marked by youth and speed: Laveranues Coles, Santana Moss and Kevin Swayne have four years combined NFL experience. Wayne Chrebet is the only truly veteran receiver. But sometimes inexperience can be an advantage -- as in, what you don't know won't scare you.

For the Titans, QB Steve McNair causes problems for defenses because of his mobility. He's continued to play at a high level despite not being able to practice because he's so banged up.

Which defense is likely to be the most disruptive in the postseason?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the NFL's No. 1-rated defense going into the playoffs. I see no reason to think any other defense will be more disruptive in the playoffs.

Why are the Bucs so intimidating defensively? First, they've got several guys who have played together for a number of years in the same system. When the core of your defense understands the scheme and works well together, that's a great advantage.

Second, the Bucs have good team speed and they're quick up front.

DE Simeon Rice has been a huge difference-maker. He puts enormous pressure on the quarterback, finishing as the NFC leader in sacks (15½). DT Warren Sapp still gets most of the publicity, but Rice should get more credit for his role in just his second year with the Bucs (after five relatively unsung years in Arizona).

Which road team (Browns, Colts, Falcons or Giants) is more likely to win next weekend?
The New York Giants.

To win on the road, you look for a team that's playing well heading into the postseason. The Indianapolis Colts have struggled, including Sunday's 20-13 win over the Jaguars.

The Cleveland Browns might be without QB Tim Couch the rest of the way. Couch broke his right leg (fibula) in the second quarter of Sunday's 24-16 win over the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons have Michael Vick, but they've been inconsistent down the stretch.

The Giants? On the last Sunday in November, they lost to the expansion Texans 16-14. On the first Sunday in December, they fell to the Titans 32-29 in overtime. But after that heartbreaker, the Giants won four straight. That's an impressive turnaround. And December is exactly the time you want to get hot.

Which team will benefit the most from a first-round bye -- Bucs, Eagles, Raiders or Titans?
The Philadelphia Eagles.

The extra week will give injured QB Donovan McNabb (broken ankle) more time to mend. Of the 12 playoff teams, the biggest question comes from Philly: Is McNabb healthy? And how sharp will he be when he returns to the lineup after being out for almost two months?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will also benefit from the bye week. The Bucs need a healthy Brad Johnson to make a successful playoff run. Johnson missed the past two games with a bruise in his lower back. His knowledge of coach Jon Gruden's intricate offense is essential.

Who will represent their respective conferences in Super Bowl XXXVII?
The Eagles from the NFC and the Raiders from the AFC.

The Eagles will be tough to beat at home. And I believe they'll reach the Super Bowl even if injured QB Donovan McNabb can't return.

McNabb is a question mark, but the Eagles have proven they're a complete team. And they can win with their backup quarterbacks (Koy Detmer, also injured, and A.J. Feeley). The Eagles went 5-1 to close out the season after McNabb broke his ankle on Nov. 17 vs. Arizona. Either of Philly's backups can do the job.

Oakland is playing tough defense at the right time and has a strong kicking game (as does Philly). And the kicking game is critical in the playoffs. The Raiders' offense is potent and capable of putting points on the board.

An Eagles-Raiders matchup would make for a great Super Bowl. I hope we get to see it!

A game analyst for ESPN's Sunday Night Football, former NFL QB Joe Theismann won a Super Bowl and a league MVP award. He reviews the NFL each week for ESPN.com in Cup o' Joe.