Pushing the Pile: A CBS Sports NFL Podcast
CBS Sports, Football, NFL
Pushing the Pile moves the NFL conversation across the line, led by former All-Pro offensive lineman Kyle Long, football analyst Mike Renner, and writer/thinker JP Acosta. Together, the three bring a mix of player perspective, analytics expertise, and sharp cultural insight across 4 episodes a week. It’s like hanging with your buddies and talking ball…if your buddies were 8-year NFL vets, film junkies who helped build evaluation systems used by NFL teams, and one of the most thoughtful young voices breaking down the game today.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 19, 2025 • 49min
Drafting the BEST UNITS from NFL Teams to Create the ULTIMATE Squad
Mike Renner and Kyle Long draft the best player units from around the league to put together the ULTIMATE football team.
Intro (0:00)
Picks 1-4 (0:13)
Picks 5-8 (10:09)
Picks 9-13 (18:30)
Picks 13-16 (25:49)
Picks 17-18 (34:23)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 18, 2025 • 57min
Week 2 Preseason Overreactions: Jaxson Dart Will Bench Russell Wilson, the Bears are "Back"
Mike Renner and Kyle hit the two surprising player-for-player trades and discuss whether preseason week 2 HOT TAKES are overreactions or reality. Then they open up the mailbag to answer YOUR burning questions.
Intro (0:00)
Metchie-Bryant, Fortner-Saunders Trades (0:37)
Overreaction Vs. Reality (5:20)
Preseason Mailbag (28:48)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast."
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 14, 2025 • 1h 16min
Predicting Win Totals for EVERY TEAM in the NFC: Are the Eagles Still the Team to Beat? | PTP
Mike Renner and Kyle Long are joined by Brock Vereen to predict win totals for EVERY TEAM in the NFC.
Intro (0:00)
NFC South (4:43)
NFC North (21:04)
NFC West (39:09)
NFC East (55:03)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 13, 2025 • 1h 17min
Predicting Win Totals for EVERY TEAM in the AFC: Can Ravens and Texans live up to the hype?
Mike Renner and Kyle Long are joined by JP Acosta to touch on James Cook's new MEGADEAL and Jordan Love's surgery before handing out win totals for EVERY TEAM in the AFC.
Intro (0:00)
James Cook Signs Megadeal (3:48)
Jordan Love has Surgery (7:08)
AFC North (10:20)
AFC South (23:15)
AFC East (39:06)
AFC West (55:44)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 11, 2025 • 59min
Week 1 Preseason Overreactions: Shedeur Sanders is QB1, Travis Hunter will START on both sides
Mike Renner and Kyle hit the latest news from around the league before deciding whether their preseason week 1 HOT TAKES are overreactions or reality. Then, they open up the mailbag to answer YOUR burning questions.
Intro (0:00)
Rashawn Slater, Landon Dickerson Injured, (6:53)
CeeDee Lamb Trucked by Refs (14:03)
Preseason W1 Overreactions (16:36)
Mailbag (34:12)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 7, 2025 • 49min
NFL Teams Ready to Make "the Leap" in 2025
Mike Renner and Kyle offer teams they think are ready to make "the leap" this season. From basement to playoffs. From contender to Super Bowl Champions. Which squads are going to get a lot better very fast?
Intro (0:00)
Super Bowl Contenders (0:39)
Deep Playoff Runs (9:35)
Win A Playoff Game (19:12)
Make the Playoffs (28:40)
Greatly Improve (36:04)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 6, 2025 • 1h 20min
AFC Teams Best and Worst Case Scenarios for 2025
Mike Renner and Kyle Long are joined by Brock Vereen to discuss banning smelling salts, Jordan Addison's suspension and the Eagles-Raiders trade. Then they look at each team in the AFC's best and worst case scenarios for the upcoming season.
Intro (0:00)
NFL Bans Smelling Salts (1:55)
Jordan Addison Suspended (5:22)
Eagles-Raiders Trade (8:58)
AFC North (12:14)
AFC South (27:38)
AFC East (44:47)
AFC West (1:01:26)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast."
To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 6, 2025 • 49min
Exposing the Achilles Heel of Each Playoff Team in 2025
Mike Renner and Kyle Long divulge each 2024 playoff team's Achilles Heel heading into the season. What Fatal flaw will stop the best teams from making the Super Bowl?
Intro (0:00)
Chiefs and Eagles (0:30)
Bills and Commanders (9:13)
Ravens and Lions (18:07)
Texans and Rams (26:30)
Wildcard Teams (36:00)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 4, 2025 • 1h 25min
NFC Teams Best and Worst Case Scenarios for 2025
Mike Renner and Kyle Long are joined by SB Nation's JP Acosta to break down the trade requests from the weekend. Then they look at each team in the NFC's best and worst case scenarios for the upcoming season.
Intro (0:00)
Micah Parsons Landing Spots (1:06)
Terry McLaurin Landing Spots (7:14)
Hall of Fame Game Standouts (10:57)
NFC North (14:47)
NFC South (32:22)
NFC West (51:20)
NFC East (1:07:12)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jul 31, 2025 • 57min
Ranking 65 Active Players Most Likely To Make the Hall of Fame: A Definitive Canton Tiers List
Mike Renner and Kyle Long catch up on all the news from training camp. Then in honor of the Hall of Fame Game they rank active players by how likely they are to earn that gold jacket into tiers. Who's a lock to get the call to the Hall? Find out.
Intro (0:00)
Raiders Extend Kolton Miller (1:32)
Phelps to Teach Ravens to Swim (3:51)
Not Having this Convo (8:25)
Could Go on a Run (12:24)
On Pace (22:37)
Hall of Very Good (26:54)
Door Handle Locks (38:21)
Deadbolt Locks (43:48)
Weird Cases (45:12)
1st Ballot (50:47)
Pushing the Pile is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify and wherever else you listen to podcasts.
Subscribe to our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NFLonCBS
Download and Follow Pushing the Pile on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2RFkEgdbFxbPBDU5F5xEjJ?si=1062d40c04e24fd5
Follow our PTP team on Twitter: @mikerenner_, @Ky1eLong, @pushingthepile
Sign up for the Pick Six Newsletter at https://www.cbssports.com/newsletters
For more NFL coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/
To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/
Visit the betting arena on CBSSports.com for all the latest sportsbook reviews and sportsbook promos.
You can listen to Pushing the Pile on your smart speakers! Simply say "Alexa, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast" or "Hey Google, play the latest episode of the Pushing the Pile podcast." To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
