NFL Playoff, Coaching Carousel, and 2026 Draft Analysis - Episode Hero Image

NFL Playoff, Coaching Carousel, and 2026 Draft Analysis

Pushing the Pile: A CBS Sports NFL Podcast · · Listen to Original Episode →
Original Title:

TL;DR

  • The NFL playoff bracket predictions suggest a potential AFC Championship between the Jaguars and Texans, highlighting the strength of the AFC South division and the momentum of these two teams.
  • The Rams are favored to win the Super Bowl, identified as the most complete team in the NFL with a dangerous offense and a strong defensive line capable of frustrating opponents.
  • John Harbaugh's retention as Ravens head coach is deemed logical due to a perceived lack of superior candidates, despite concerns about the team's late-season performance and coaching staff.
  • The Bengals' continued employment of Duke Tobin and Zac Taylor is questioned due to a lack of roster improvement and playoff success post-Super Bowl appearance, potentially wasting Joe Burrow's prime.
  • The Atlanta Falcons present the most attractive head coaching opening due to a talented roster, a weak division, and the potential for a quick turnaround with minimal roster overhaul.
  • The 2026 NFL Mock Draft indicates a quarterback-heavy top five, with potential trades expected due to a perceived lack of elite prospects beyond the top tier.

Deep Dive

The Pushing the Pile podcast's latest episode offers a comprehensive preview of the NFL playoffs and a look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft, while also dissecting the recent wave of head coaching and general manager changes. The core arguments center on predicting playoff outcomes based on team matchups and momentum, evaluating the attractiveness of current head coaching vacancies, and projecting early NFL Draft selections based on player potential and team needs. The second-order implications involve how these predictions and draft evaluations might influence team strategies, player development, and future coaching decisions, highlighting the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of the NFL landscape.

The discussion of playoff bracket predictions reveals a significant focus on team strengths and weaknesses in head-to-head matchups, particularly within the AFC. The hosts lean towards the Jaguars and Texans, two teams on hot streaks, as potential AFC Championship contenders, suggesting that momentum and favorable matchups, rather than traditional powerhouses, could define the conference's outcome. This implies that teams capable of peaking at the right time and exploiting specific defensive or offensive vulnerabilities have a genuine shot, potentially upending established hierarchies. In the NFC, the conversation gravitates towards the Rams and Seahawks as premier contenders, with a strong emphasis on the Rams' offensive firepower and completeness as a team, suggesting that elite offensive capability remains a critical factor for Super Bowl aspirations, even in a league increasingly focused on defensive schemes.

A significant portion of the episode delves into the surprising retention of several head coaches and general managers, alongside an analysis of the most attractive head coaching openings. The hosts express surprise at John Harbaugh's continued tenure with the Ravens, attributing it to a lack of compelling alternative candidates and Harbaugh's established pedigree, despite recent playoff shortcomings. The Bengals' decision to retain Zac Taylor and Duke Tobin is heavily scrutinized, with the hosts arguing that the team's roster construction, particularly on defense, and offensive inefficiency are actively wasting Joe Burrow's prime, suggesting a potential disconnect between coaching decisions and long-term team success. The ranking of head coaching openings highlights the Falcons as the most attractive due to a talented roster and a weak division, followed by teams like the Titans and Raiders, which offer significant cap space and draft capital, implying that organizational rebuilds with substantial resources are highly appealing to prospective coaches.

Finally, the episode concludes with an early 2026 NFL Mock Draft, showcasing a class with perceived quarterback scarcity and a need for teams to trade up for desired prospects. The analysis focuses on projecting potential top picks like Fernando Mendoza and Dante Moore, while also highlighting intriguing prospects like David Bailey and RVL Reese. The discussion emphasizes the importance of athletic traits and physical tools in edge rushers and linebackers, suggesting that teams will prioritize players with high upside, even if raw. The inclusion of wide receiver prospects like Carnell Tate and Jordan Tyson underscores the ongoing importance of offensive firepower, with the hosts noting that even solid, reliable receivers can command significant value in a draft class perceived to lack sure-fire superstars, influencing teams to prioritize acquiring offensive playmakers to complement existing talent.

Action Items

  • Audit playoff bracket predictions: Identify 3-5 games with divergent predictions between hosts and analyze reasoning for discrepancies.
  • Track coaching carousel analysis: Document 3-5 head coach/GM retention decisions and note stated justifications for each.
  • Measure mock draft accuracy: Compare 5-10 projected draft picks against actual draft outcomes for the top 10 selections.
  • Analyze player evaluation criteria: For 3-5 players discussed in the mock draft, list the key traits and concerns cited by the hosts.
  • Evaluate head coach opening attractiveness: Rank the 3-5 most appealing head coach openings based on roster talent and division strength.

Related Episodes

Key Quotes

"if you aren't up to speed already cash app is way more than just a safe way to send and receive money with the cash app card you can unlock a ton of perks without all the fees enjoy benefits like exclusive early access to nationwide concerts presales kendrick lamar and sabrina carpenter to name a couple recent examples plus discounts on everyday purchases and popular brands you're probably already spending money on cash app also adds security to your money by declining suspicious card transactions and sending you a notification to make sure your payment is really you if your card is ever lost or stolen you can lock it with just one tap right in the app spend with confidence with the cash app card today for a limited time only new cash app customers can use our exclusive code to earn some additional cash for real just download cash app use our exclusive referral code pushing in your profile send 5 to a friend within 14 days and you'll get 10 dropped right into your account that's a 5 profit terms apply that's money that's cash app cash app is a financial service platform not a bank banking services provided by cash app's bank partners prepaid debit card issued by sutton bank member fdic direct deposit roundups and overdraft coverage and discounts provided by cash app a block inc brand visit cash app legal podcast for full disclosures"

This quote highlights the multifaceted benefits of the Cash App card beyond basic money transfers. The presenter emphasizes perks like concert presales and discounts, alongside security features such as fraud detection and instant card locking. This demonstrates Cash App's strategy to offer a comprehensive financial tool with added value for its users.

"all season long leading up to the playoffs cash app sponsored our locks we tracked how we're doing each week and it's official and none of the defeated week 18 four and oh claimed the cash app locks trophy didn't quite get to 50 but hey we were we were tossing some coins out everyone knows that you make your real money on the combine props anyways can't wait to get to that season but apparently we have a special message from kyle long who took up the rear in our com in our locks all week long or all season long kyle what do you have to say mike and jp i want to say congrats on a great season but there can only be one champion so congratulations to mike renner on winning our locks this season you're unbelievable all year it was a tight match tight race but you're a winner you're just a flat out winner so congratulations and see in the wild card round"

This passage details the conclusion of a season-long "locks" competition sponsored by Cash App. The speaker, Mike Renner, acknowledges his victory in the competition, which involved tracking weekly predictions. The inclusion of a message from Kyle Long, who finished last, adds a personal and competitive element to the podcast's content.

"i do think the patriots end up beating the chargers i just think i have a little too many questions about the chargers' pass protection up front especially if milton williams is 100 and the patriots are coming getting healthy at the right time they're playing their best in moments in the right time i think the patriots win this one i think the texans sort of just pushed the steelers around for 60 minutes i i just the physicality that the steelers bring on offense i think the texans bring it in double so i think the texans win i'm going to go with the jaguars here and i understand that every time it feels like every time i pick the jaguars to win they lose and every time i pick them to lose they win but i have faith i'm i believe in this jaguars team i believe in this offense and i worry that without ed oliver i don't think the bills can really get pass rush that's really how you frustrate this jaguars offense so now we move to the divisional round we have texans broncos patriots jaguars and i'm going to take the jaguars let's go i'm going to take the jaguars man of faith right there"

JP Acosta presents his NFL playoff bracket predictions, starting with the AFC Wild Card round. He forecasts wins for the Patriots over the Chargers and the Texans over the Steelers, citing concerns about the Chargers' pass protection and the Texans' physicality. Acosta also expresses faith in the Jaguars to defeat the Bills, despite a personal trend of picking against them.

"i just find it very difficult to look cincinnati fans in the eye and say why it will be different going forward than what it has been the past two years is i think the biggest thing and especially when you just look at what they've done along the offensive line and they finally i think have kind of started to figure it out the offensive line is finally i think this back half of this season competent right but before that it got joe burrow hurt like three times you know it got your franchise the guy who is going to get you a super bowl if anyone is it has derailed his career completely via injury and for all those reasons it's just like the fanbase here has every right to be pissed off about this because again they're not selling anything different to the fans"

This quote expresses strong criticism of the Cincinnati Bengals' front office and coaching staff, particularly regarding their impact on the team's roster and Joe Burrow's career. The speaker argues that the team's poor draft picks and free agent signings since their Super Bowl appearance have led to consecutive playoff misses. The speaker highlights the offensive line's struggles and its role in Burrow's injuries as a key reason for fan dissatisfaction.

"number one to me clearly is the atlanta falcons i just think talent wise it's a roster that's good i mean they literally were tied for the top of their division this past season um and i think that's the other biggest thing it's a bad division you know this is not a good division and doesn't profile to a very great one moving forward i don't think there's anyone that's on a huge come up that will be you know 14 and three next year right there's not a sleeping giant maybe some teams are in the right go ahead and in the right direction now whether it's the saints whether it's the panthers but no one really they don't even have the cap space truthfully to make these big year on year improvements so falcons they don't have tons of cap space themselves they'll have a little more after they cut kirk cousins but it's a fine roster right now that i did think underperformed this past season so that's the clear one"

The speaker identifies the Atlanta Falcons as the most attractive head coaching opening. They cite the team's existing talent, its position atop a weak division, and the potential for a quick turnaround as key factors. The speaker believes the Falcons roster underperformed and that the division itself is not strong enough to prevent a swift ascent with the right coaching.

"all right let's get to six through 10 where the browns this mock draft's already gonna be wrong because he just announced today he's coming back to

Resources

External Resources

Books

  • "The Seattle Play" by [Author Not Specified] - Mentioned as a play design concept for switch verticals.
  • "The Power Play" by [Author Not Specified] - Mentioned as a fundamental offensive play in football.

Videos & Documentaries

  • Landman (Paramount+) - Mentioned as a returning phenomenon from Taylor Sheridan.

Research & Studies

  • PFF (Pro Football Focus) - Mentioned as a data source for player grading.

Articles & Papers

  • "The Seattle Play" (Madden) - Discussed as a play design concept.

People

  • Kyle Long - Mentioned as a participant in the "cash app locks trophy" competition.
  • Mike Renner - Mentioned as the winner of the "cash app locks trophy" competition.
  • Richie Incognito - Mentioned in relation to a signed poster.
  • Kendrick Lamar - Mentioned as an artist with early access to concerts via Cash App.
  • Sabrina Carpenter - Mentioned as an artist with early access to concerts via Cash App.
  • C.J. Stroud - Mentioned as a quarterback for the Texans.
  • Davis Mills - Mentioned as a quarterback for the Texans.
  • Christian Gonzalez - Mentioned as a player for the Patriots.
  • Marcus Jones - Mentioned as a player for the Patriots.
  • Brian Thomas Jr. - Mentioned as a player for the Jaguars.
  • Travis Etienne - Mentioned as a player for the Jaguars.
  • Parker Washington - Mentioned as a player for the Jaguars.
  • Ed Oliver - Mentioned as a player for the Bills.
  • Josh Allen - Mentioned as a player for the Bills.
  • Trevon Walker - Mentioned as a player for the Jaguars.
  • Ariante Errisery - Mentioned in relation to matchups with Josh Allen.
  • George Pickens - Mentioned in relation to a Cowboys game.
  • Dak Prescott - Mentioned in relation to a Cowboys game.
  • Jaylen Ramsey - Mentioned as a player for the Dolphins and in relation to a Ravens-Steelers play.
  • Isaiah Likely - Mentioned as a player for the Ravens.
  • Zay Flowers - Mentioned as a player for the Ravens.
  • Derrick Henry - Mentioned as a player for the Ravens.
  • Daniel Faalele - Mentioned as a player for the Ravens.
  • Mike McDaniel - Mentioned as the head coach of the Dolphins.
  • Rhamondre Stevenson - Mentioned as a player for the Patriots.
  • Onwenu - Mentioned as a player for the Patriots.
  • Campbell - Mentioned as a player for the Patriots.
  • Josh McDaniels - Mentioned as a coach for the Patriots.
  • Caleb Williams - Mentioned as a player for the Bears.
  • Mike McCarthy - Mentioned as a former coach of the Cowboys.
  • Devonte Smith - Mentioned as a player for the Eagles.
  • A.J. Brown - Mentioned as a player for the Eagles.
  • Kellen Moore - Mentioned as a head coach for the Saints.
  • Tyler Shough - Mentioned as a player for the Saints.
  • Ruben Bain - Mentioned as a player for Miami.
  • Steve Spagnuolo - Mentioned as a coach for the Chiefs.
  • Caleb Downs - Mentioned as a player for Ohio State.
  • Jessie Bates - Mentioned as a player for the Bengals.
  • Jordan Tyson - Mentioned as a player for Arizona State.
  • Adonai Mitchell - Mentioned as a player.
  • Makai Lemon - Mentioned as a player for USC.
  • Garrett Wilson - Mentioned as a player for the Jets.
  • Taran Arnold - Mentioned as a player for the Lions.
  • Ennis Rakestraw - Mentioned as a player who was injured.
  • Taylor Decker - Mentioned as a player for the Lions.
  • Dan Skipper - Mentioned as a player for the Lions.
  • Giovanni Manu - Mentioned as a player for the Lions.
  • Chris Mahogany - Mentioned as a player for the Lions.
  • Dante Moore - Mentioned as a player for Oregon.
  • Fernando Mendoza - Mentioned as a player for Indiana.
  • David Bailey - Mentioned as a player for Texas Tech.
  • RVL Reese - Mentioned as a player for Ohio State.
  • Keldric Falk - Mentioned as a player for Auburn.
  • Greg Rousseau - Mentioned as a player.
  • John Franklin Myers - Mentioned as a player for the Broncos.
  • Trevor Gusey - Mentioned as a player for Texas.
  • Carnal Tate - Mentioned as a player for Ohio State.
  • Jeremiah Love - Mentioned as a player.
  • CC Mauigoa - Mentioned as a player for Miami.
  • Sunny Styles - Mentioned as a player for Ohio State.
  • Tremaine Edmunds - Mentioned as a player.
  • Eberflus - Mentioned as a coach.
  • Arch Manning - Mentioned as a potential quarterback prospect.
  • Julian Sayin - Mentioned as a potential quarterback prospect.
  • North Sellers - Mentioned as a potential quarterback prospect.
  • Dante Moore - Mentioned as a potential quarterback prospect.
  • Kirk Cousins - Mentioned as a player for the Falcons.
  • Nick Foles - Mentioned in relation to a missed kick.
  • Arthur Smith - Mentioned as a coach for the Falcons.
  • Cam Ward - Mentioned as a potential quarterback prospect.
  • Jackson Dart - Mentioned as a player for the Giants.
  • Joe Shane - Mentioned as a GM for the Giants.
  • Deshaun Watson - Mentioned in relation to a contract.
  • Joe Flacco - Mentioned as a quarterback for the Browns.
  • Andrew Berry - Mentioned as a GM for the Browns.
  • Patrick Ricard - Mentioned as a player for the Ravens.
  • Ronnie Stanley - Mentioned as a player for the Ravens.
  • Zack Taylor - Mentioned as a coach for the Bengals.
  • Joe Burrow - Mentioned as a player for the Bengals.
  • Ja'Marr Chase - Mentioned as a player for the Bengals.
  • Tee Higgins - Mentioned as a player for the Bengals.
  • Trey Hendrickson - Mentioned in relation to a contract situation.
  • Clint Kubiak - Mentioned as a coach.
  • Aaron Glenn - Mentioned as a coach for the Jets.
  • Woody Johnson - Mentioned as a GM for the Jets.
  • Dan Campbell - Mentioned as a coach for the Lions.
  • Ben Johnson - Mentioned as a coach for the Lions.
  • Liam Coen - Mentioned as a coach.
  • Mike Vrabel - Mentioned as a coach.
  • Jesse Minter - Mentioned as a coach.
  • Bill Belichick - Mentioned as a coach.
  • Sean Payton - Mentioned as a coach for the Broncos.
  • Bo Nix - Mentioned as a player.
  • Andy Garcia - Mentioned as an actor in Landman.
  • Ally Larter - Mentioned as an actor in Landman.
  • Sam Elliott - Mentioned as an actor in Landman.
  • Billy Bob Thornton - Mentioned as an actor in Landman.

Organizations

  • Cash App - Mentioned as a financial service platform and sponsor.
  • NFL (National Football League) - Primary subject of discussion.
  • FanDuel Sportsbook - Mentioned as a sponsor.
  • New York Jets - Mentioned in relation to coaching and draft picks.
  • Atlanta Falcons - Mentioned as a head coaching opening.
  • Tennessee Titans - Mentioned as a head coaching opening.
  • Las Vegas Raiders - Mentioned as a head coaching opening.
  • New York Giants - Mentioned as a head coaching opening.
  • Arizona Cardinals - Mentioned as a head coaching opening.
  • Cleveland Browns - Mentioned as a head coaching opening.
  • Cincinnati Bengals - Mentioned in relation to front office and coaching.
  • Washington Commanders - Mentioned in relation to coaching.
  • Miami Dolphins - Mentioned in relation to coaching and draft picks.
  • Indianapolis Colts - Mentioned in relation to GM.
  • Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Mentioned in relation to coaching.
  • Baltimore Ravens - Mentioned in relation to coaching and player injuries.
  • Detroit Lions - Mentioned in relation to coaching and offensive line.
  • Kansas City Chiefs - Mentioned in relation to coaching.
  • Minnesota Vikings - Mentioned in relation to player acquisitions.
  • New Orleans Saints - Mentioned in relation to coaching.
  • Carolina Panthers - Mentioned in relation to coaching.
  • Philadelphia Eagles - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • San Francisco 49ers - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Los Angeles Rams - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Seattle Seahawks - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Green Bay Packers - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Houston Texans - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Pittsburgh Steelers - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Buffalo Bills - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • New England Patriots - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Jacksonville Jaguars - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Denver Broncos - Mentioned in relation to playoff predictions.
  • Indiana University - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • Oregon University - Mentioned in relation to players.
  • Texas Tech University - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • Ohio State University - Mentioned in relation to players.
  • Auburn University - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • Texas University - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • USC (University of Southern California) - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • Arizona State University - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • Utah University - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • LSU (Louisiana State University) - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • University of Tennessee - Mentioned in relation to a player.
  • Block Inc. - Mentioned as a brand associated with Cash App.
  • Sutton Bank - Mentioned as a bank partner for Cash App.
  • FDIC - Mentioned in relation to banking services.

Websites

---
Handpicked links, AI-assisted summaries. Human judgment, machine efficiency.
This content is a personally curated review and synopsis derived from the original podcast episode.