Jim Harbaugh says 49ers drew short straw

SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) - Jim Harbaugh is too busy preparing for a short week and cross-country trip to Baltimore to reflect much on his history-making Thanksgiving night matchup with big brother and Ravens coach, John.

Harbaugh thanked the NFL on Monday for the ideal, feel-good pairing, a much-hyped date on the schedule since way back when Harbaugh was hired away from Stanford in January to turn around the 49ers' fallen franchise. He appreciates being part of a special first featuring siblings on opposite sidelines as head coaches, but adds, "no doubt we got the short end of the straw."

Harbaugh says he will use every possible minute to get ready for the daunting task of facing his brother's team, which he considers to be San Francisco's toughest opponent yet and perhaps all year.