Richard Witt makes his predictions for the remaining games on NFL divisional round weekend:

Give the Lions credit for the considerable value of their Ford Field home, which is broadly unfamiliar to many of their competitors.

It’s a dome, so no measure of meterological advantage, but don’t discount three decades of pent-up playoff hunger.

Their fans are getting their first divisional-round playoff game since 1991 — and were acknowledged as an important factor in earlier successes. 

The Lions certainly own some measure of advantage in starting quarterback Jared Goff, but there are some fringe questions as to just how long Goff can sustain his prevailing sizzling form. 

With a 9-8 record to lead the NFC South this season (for the third consecutive year), Tampa Bay has demonstrated it can win, in the second season under coach Todd Bowles, though Baker Mayfield is no Tom Brady. 

Since their loss to the Lions in October, the Bucs have had some staunch outings, including an impressive showing against the high-flying Eagles in the wild-card round Monday night.

But the Lions, at 12-5 in the NFC North, certainly have legitimate offensive talent, are clearly improved and have enjoyed the multiple benefits of a stronger schedule, offering greater experience competing with better foes. 

Given their diverse talent, especially on offense, and their storehouse of emotion, we’re reluctant to go against Detroit in this situation. 

The market-makers are giving relatively scant value to their audience in the bourse, so we’re compelled to emphasize our ongoing preference for the Chiefs.

We get sustained, hard-to-beat Patrick Mahomes in the bargain. 

The only other time Mahomes has traveled to Buffalo, he threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns in a 26-17 victory in 2020.

The Bills have not beaten the Chiefs in the playoffs since 1993. 

In frequent intervals, Mahomes is as good as or better than any other quarterback in the league for sustained superior production of valuable yardage.

Nevertheless, in multiple aspects, this has been the worst season of his career for Mahomes and the Chiefs. 

Both teams ended the regular season leading their respective AFC divisions with 11-6 records.

We respect both Chiefs coach Andy Reid and the Bills’ Sean McDermott highly, and both have multi-year tenure in their position — Reid since 2013, McDermott since 2017.

We’re not depending on this game being decided by a coaching mismatch. 

Josh Allen is 0-2 against the Chiefs in postseason — but here we are, showing another willing January finish against the better competition in the AFC.

Allen and the Bills have shown considerable cajones throughout most of this season, but off their history, Mahomes has their playoff number, and we respect that fact. 

Take the Chiefs and the points on the road, hoping Mahomes will once again rise to his considerable reputation. 

Saturday: Ravens (W), 49ers (L)
Last week: 2-4
Season: 106-119-9.