Ravens could get some help from 49ers

Could John Harbaugh and the Ravens get a little help in the AFC playoff race from an opponent they recently defeated?

With identical 10-3 records, the Ravens are tied with the Houston Texans and the New England Patriots in the race for the top seed in the AFC postseason. The Ravens also share the same win-loss mark with the Pittsburgh Steelers for the AFC North title.

The Steelers are scheduled to visit the San Francisco 49ers Monday night. The 49ers just happen to be coached by Harbaugh's younger brother Jim, which prompted a reporter to ask John Harbaugh if he planned to share any knowledge about Pittsburgh with his brother.

After conferring with senior vice president of public and community relations Kevin Byrne about the legalities of talking to his brother, Harbaugh answered the question, saying, "The truth is, coaches do that around the league based on best interest and things like that. I know for a fact that a lot of coaches have spent a lot of time talking about us before they play us. So I'm sure we'll try to help him in some way."

In the same breath, however, Harbaugh attempted to emphasize that his focus is on the San Diego Chargers, whom the Ravens visit for a Sunday night showdown.

"But it's not really our game, it's not really our concern," he said. "The truth of the matter is, to me, that should not be a story. It really shouldn't. The story is us going out and playing San Diego. That's the story, and that's what we're going to be concerned about."