I say it every single year. I have one religious holiday and today is that day. NFL kickoff is FINALLY here, and I cannot put into words how excited I am. This is my favorite time of year, when all hope is still in tact, and everyone in the hobby is buzzing for the first time in months. The barren wasteland of football-less time is over, and we are now primed for the 5 months of seeing what this season is all about.

Prediction for Hobby MVP – Andrew Luck

This isnt really a prediction per se, but rather a statement. Luck has already surged into a status reserved for people like Brady and Rodgers, but I think that this year will be his time to really reap the rewards of his talent. I think the Colts are easily a favorite to win their division, and might be a favorite to win the whole thing. That would make Luck’s ridiculous prices that much more insane.

As you can see, things are already in the stratosphere:

2012 National Treasures Andrew Luck Rookie Auto Patch /49

2012 Contenders Andrew Luck Auto Ticket BGS 9.5

2012 Topps Five Star Andrew Luck Rookie Auto Patch

2014 Topps Five Star Andrew Luck Silver Signature Auto

Prediction for Hobby Rookie of the Year – Amari Cooper

Again, not going too far off book on this, because many of the experts are picking him too. The reason why this might be a surprise for the hobby is that WR are usually very low valued. Hell, if you arent a QB these days, its low value by default. As expected, Cooper’s stuff isnt that high right now, or at least not where it should be, mainly because everyone is so focused on Mariota and Winston. I think he could have a great season and really light up the scoreboard in the hobby as well.

Here is where his value is currently:

2015 Topps Inception Amari Cooper Auto Blue Parallel

2015 Topps Football Amari Cooper Rookie Premiere Red Ink Auto /10

2015 Topps Football Amari Cooper Jumbo Patch Auto

Prediction for Hobby Rookie Disappointment of the Year – Todd Gurley

Let me start this off by saying that I dont think this will be 100% a result of his talent. It will be a combination of the knee injury, the place he is playing, and RBs being hobby plebeians as of late. Gurley is a talented player, but he isnt going to put up numbers to sustain any real value. His name will prevent him from going into the crapper completely, but I wouldnt dive deep on him at all. Doesnt help that his autograph is a give up.

Gurley’s stuff is a bit down already following news he will be out until week 3:

2015 Donruss Elite Todd Gurley Auto Patch

2015 Topps Football Todd Gurley 1987 Retro Auto

Potential Blockbuster – Topps Huddle Gets NFL License

As was just announced, Topps Digital secured an NFL license for their Huddle app, something that has been 3 years in the making. When you consider the juggernaut that their digital portfolio has become, adding an NFL license could not be bigger. With Topps losing the NFLPA license after 2015, this is a way that Topps football can live on. Truly amazing that they got the license when they did.

Check out my write up from Digital Card Central for More info!

Cut Bait – Robert Griffin III

I know that many of you dove in deep on his cards during his rookie year as the top guy in the yard. He was spectacular. Of course, Washington never seems to be without their own personal brand of clusterfuck in every situation, which has led to Kirk Cousins getting the nod. Neither looks to be in a particularly good situation, and that is going to impact hobby value in a tremendous fashion. Its time to cut bait on buying in any further, but you might want to hold your goods to see where he lands next year. Who knows, lots of people find new life in a new city.

Here are his cards:

2012 Topps Supreme Robert Griffin III Jumbo Patch Auto

2012 Topps Strata Robert Griffin III Rookie Patch Auto Clear Cut

Second Year QBs Poised for Success – Carr and Bridgewater

These guys are walking into some prime territory, and its looking very good for their prospects in 2015. Teddy has Peterson back on his side, which should do wonders for their passing game. Carr has Amari Cooper, who I have already pegged as a top candidate for rookie of the year. If the 2015 class is soft, these guys should pick up some of the pieces.

Cards are already heating up:

2014 National Treasures Teddy Bridgewater Rookie Auto Patch

2014 Topps Supreme Teddy Bridgewater Jumbo Booklet Inscription Auto

2014 Topps Chrome Derek Carr Rookie Auto BGS 9.5

2014 Crown Royale Derek Carr Silhouette Auto Patch

This is really going to be a fun season, and it starts tonight. Although I dont think the league has quite recovered from everything that happened over the offseason, tonight that all melts away.