INGLEWOOD, Calif. -- There is much excitement around the NFL about Monday night's matchup between the Los Angeles Chargers and Baltimore Ravens.
They feature two of the best quarterbacks in the NFL: Chargers Justin Herbert and Ravens Lamar Jackson.
Both teams are in the playoffs as of right now, with LA at 7-3 and Baltimore at 7-4.
Jim and John Harbaugh will be on opposite sidelines for only the third time. Their parents, Jack and Jackie, will not be in attendance, as John told the Ravens media, as they will be in Florida at their sister Joani's house.
The Harbaugh brothers have been the center of media attention this week, being asked about many topics related to each other.
Did Jim and John talk this week?
"We've texted each other like we have other weeks and wished him a good week," Jim said. "He wished me a good week and that's now we're focusing on the game."
They were asked about growing up together, what they admired about each other and many other topics. Both have answered some questions, but for them, they are focused on something else.
"It's two different football teams," John said. "It's two teams squaring off in a really important game. That's really what it's going to be about. It's going to be about the guys out there playing the game."
Jim has his Chargers on the cusp of making the playoffs for the first time since 2022 and is showing the league that his team means business. John's Ravens are coming off a tough loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers but are still one of the best teams in the AFC.
The eldest Harbaugh, John, is 2-0 against his brother.
John's Ravens beat Jim's 49ers in 2011; it was a low-scoring 16-6 game.
Their last matchup was Super Bowl 47, in which the Ravens had a near-perfect game from quarterback Joe Flacco. It was also the last game of Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis's career.
John's first Super Bowl ring came at the expense of his little brother not gaining his, but Jim said hurt at first.
"It was tough," Jim said. "But after some time and reflection went by. He's my brother, he's my best friend, really proud of him, really happy for his success."
Jim left the NFL and went to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, for nine seasons. He finished his tenure by bringing the team a National Championship in 2024.
After winning a college title, Jim returned to the NFL to chase the Lombardi Trophy.
The younger Harbaugh brother believed joining the Chargers would give him that opportunity.
Teaming up with quarterback Justin Herbert gives him the best opportunity to chase a Super Bowl. Harbaugh has been very complimentary of his quarterback, but he took it up a notch this week.
"He's not only one of the best in the game currently, he's one of the best of all time," Harbaugh said.
There was a little bit of laughter from reporters.
"I do not feel at all like I'm going on a limb and saying that," Harbaugh said.
He brought five assistants on his staff who had worked with his brother in the past, including coordinators Greg Roman and Jesse Minter. The Chargers even brought in six former Ravens players, headlined by running backs JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards.
"Yes, all of it. The culture, the way things are done, how [the Chargers] play, certainly, [and] the schemes [are] very similar," John said. "The schemes are, in a lot of ways not exactly the same, but in a lot of ways mirror images — the people coaching [and] a lot of the guys playing.
Both coaches have top-five quarterbacks. Each of them was asked about the matchup between the brothers.
"I thought that was dope, but I don't think about it right now," Jackson said about the Harbaugh's playing each other in a Super Bowl.
"We know how important this is for him," Herbert said.
The Chargers will face this quality team in the postseason. Baltimore features a dangerous offense and a front four that could give the offense fits.
This will be a perfect measuring stick with upcoming trips to Atlanta and Kansas City.
"This is the most important stretch, and it starts with the Ravens," Herbert said. "I think it is really cool sign for us to be able to build off some wins like that, especially, where we've been the past couple of years."
Pregame packages will feature the Harbaugh brothers. These packages will include pictures of Jack and Jackie Harbaugh with their sons over the years.
There will be a meeting at the 50-yard line and an embrace pregame, but once the ball is kicked off, both coaches know it is all about the people on their sidelines. Their competitive instincts will take over.
"Even if he weren't my brother, I would say the same thing," John said. "We have our work cut out for us; we have to travel across the country and play on Monday Night Football."
Both brothers understand how important Monday night's matchup is for their respective teams.
"I'm sure he doesn't want to make it about him," Jim said. "I don't want to make it about me. It is what it is. Big game, for sure. Two teams having at it."