The Ravens already knew they'd have to deal with a hot Steelers team and a hostile Heinz Field environment. They'll also likely be challenged by the elements.
Forecasts in the Pittsburgh area say there's a 75 percent to 100 percent chance of precipitation; rain is expected to continue throughout the day. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m.
"I think we have the contingencies built in, and we'll just have to see how the game plays out," head coach John Harbaugh said. "But I like to think that our schemes are weatherproof. We can handle whatever weather we get."
Heinz Field's grass surface has long been viewed as one of the NFL's worst, and is traditionally worn at this time of the season because of the number of high school and college games it hosts. Persistent rain could make for an even sloppier situation, though offensive coordinator Gary Kubiak said that wouldn't much change what he asks of quarterback Joe Flacco.
"I'm very comfortable with Joe," Kubiak said. "Watching Joe throw out here in some of the weather and the rain that we've played in has not been an issue at all."
Staying disciplined
When the Ravens last were at Heinz Field in November, they lost an early lead and they then started to lose their composure. In a 43-23 loss, the Ravens committed 10 penalties for 108 yards. That included three personal-foul penalties and another 15-yard horse-collar infraction.
Ravens linebacker Elvis Dumervil, who was called for an unnecessary-roughness penalty after he got into an altercation, admitted later that the Ravens lost their cool. He said this week that it was a lesson learned.
"Sometimes it's the cost of doing business, but you have to play smart," Dumervil said. "You can't let the game get too big. We learned a lot from that game. We did make some foolish penalties, and when you make some foolish penalties, you better make it up. We have some making up to do."