Jim Harbaugh Downplays Chargers Matchup vs. Brother John, Ravens: 'It is What it is'

The Harbaugh brothers' teams will be playing Monday evening as John's Baltimore Ravens visit Jim's Los Angeles Chargers.

When asked about facing off against his brother Wednesday, Jim Harbaugh noted he didn't want to make the game about them.

"I'm sure he doesn't want to make it about him," Harbaugh said, per Nick Shook of NFL.com. "I don't want to make it about me. It is what it is. Big game, for sure. Two teams having at it."

The brothers have faced each other twice before when Jim Harbaugh coached the San Francisco 49ers (2011-2014), most notably in Super Bowl XLVII, when Baltimore won 34-31 in Feb. 2013. The Ravens also beat the 49ers in Nov. 2011, 16-6.

Despite Jim Harbaugh's efforts to downplay the brotherly coaching matchup, it's clear this will be a talking point all week and especially on Monday. For example, ESPN is already putting out a special on Friday before airing the game on Monday.

They are the only brothers to face off as coaches in NFL history, so the feat is quite impressive and should be discussed.

The two also have a great love and respect for one another, and that was apparent during chats with the media this week. John Harbaugh notably spoke with reporters Thursday on the matter.

This is also a huge matchup otherwise against two teams currently in AFC playoff position. The 7-3 Chargers hold the AFC's first wild-card spot and sit two games back of the Kansas City Chiefs for first in the AFC West (and AFC overall).

The 7-4 Ravens have the AFC's second AFC wild-card spot and are currently a game-and-a-half behind the Pittsburgh Steelers for the North division lead.

So there will be great attention placed on both sidelines as the coaches and brothers battle, but this is an intriguing matchup even when putting that aside. Kickoff is set for Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET in Los Angeles' SoFi Stadium.