To start 2011, many of the people around the league thought that the NFL was the Packers’ world, and that everyone else was just living in it. Now that they have been dismantled by, another team has taken hold in the NFC, and collectors are catching on quickly. The 49ers are made up of a number of players who really had little following in the hobby, who have since had some incredible gains in value during San Fran’s incredible run through the 2011 playoffs.

Alex Smith is a guy that should never have been a guy fighting for value among collectors. He was the number one pick, and had the skills and potential to be a great quarterback. When poor play and injuries derailed his place atop the 2005 draft class, I really had zero confidence that he would ever be back in the limelight. Since the victory over New Orleans, his cards have been going absolutely crazy, even more so once the Giants dethroned the Packers. They have a legitimate shot at making and winning the Super Bowl, and that is something that always spikes prices.

2005 Alex Smith Exquisite Rookie Patch Auto Platinum

2005 Alex Smith Playoff Contenders Championship Ticket Auto 1/1

2005 Alex Smith SP Authentic Rookie Jumbo Patch Auto /5

Its also a good idea to check out the leaders of their staunch defense, Justin Smith and Patrick Willis. Both have seen significant spikes in value all through the season, but those bumps were child’s play compared to what happened during the game last week. Justin Smith’s autographs are basically non-existant, as most defensive guys are, so collectors have started clamoring to pick up cards like his Contenders RC autograph for their collections prior to the game tomorrow. Willis has had a number of cards since his rookie season in 2007, mainly because he was present at the rookie premiere, but not many have garnered value similar to what we are seeing now.

The funniest part of all of this? Even their coach’s autographed cards have spiked as a result of the season’s wins. Jim Harbaugh was a quarterback for a few different teams, and has had a few autographs as a result. During the course of the season, his cards have gone from absolutely worthless to a nice little chunk of change. I find this not only ridiculous, but telling of what the team has accomplished during Harbaugh’s short tenure.

If the 49ers can replicate the success they have had all year through sunday and beyond, Alex Smith and the other players have a reason to be included in packs again. Everyone loves a champion, and Smith’s value rebound is one that has been in progress for almost six years. These types of stories are the reason we love the NFL, and I expect it all over again next year too.