Play video content EXCLUSIVE

Joel McHale does not picture himself as the new host of "The Late Late Show," although he does picture himself with the guy who will decide who gets the gig.

A big rumor flared up this week after Joel took a pic with CBS Prez Les Moonves and Julie Chen at the Up Fronts in NYC ... and Julie tweeted it.

We got Joel at LAX Friday and he made it clear -- sadly -- it was nothing more than a picture.

Moonves hasn't said he's ruling Joel out, but did point out he just wanted to meet the dude during a party in NYC and took the picture -- nothing more.

Here's the thing. Joel would be awesome as the host ... just sayin'.