The playoffs are a weird time, because everyone involved can receive huge attention that can really help hobby values. With so few of the big rookies left in it, the Hobby shifts its focus to big veteran level performers for the first time. The Conference Title Game is where names can be made and hobby prospecting dreams can be dashed. Here is a breakdown.

Andrew Luck – “The Hobby’s Future”

Best Case Scenario: Plays great and beats one of the best QBs in History and becomes “the Present”
Worst Case Scenario: Plays horrible and remains “the Future”

Luck is one of those guys who is a no brainer if you are looking for someone to collect. Basically, even if he plays terrible, he will still maintain his rep as the hobby target with the most long term prospects. That means collectors will not give up, even if he takes a dive. They will likely lose, but Luck wont feel the effect.

His cards are already insane, but it could get nuts:

2012 Contenders Andrew Luck Auto Rookie Ticket BGS 9.5

2012 National Treasures Andrew Luck Jumbo Patch Auto Booklet

2013 Topps Archives Andrew Luck Mini Autograph /25

Russell Wilson – “Proven With a Ring”

Best Case Scenario: Wins and goes to his second Super Bowl in as many years
Worst Case Scenario: Loses and solidifies his rep that his success is not his own

The second 2012 QB to play today, adding allure to that class. Being that he won a title in his second year, you would think that prospecting hobby collectors would be putting him on a pedestal that is usually reserved for guys like Brady. Instead he was labeled a game manager that gained benefit from the best defense in the league. I dont understand this feeling, especially after seeing some of the plays he made this year, but a loss will not be good.

His cards sell well, but Luck outsells him despite not having a title:

2012 National Treasures Russell Wilson Auto Logo Patch RC

2012 Topps Chrome Russell Wilson Auto RC

2014 Flawless Russell Wilson Jumbo Patch Auto

Aaron Rodgers – “Future Hobby HOFer”

Best Case Scenario: Wins and closes out one of the best seasons ever, all while on one leg
Worst Case Scenario: Gets hurt worse than before and has to sit out

When it comes to the best QBs in the league, Rodgers is near the top if not THE top of the list. He had an MVP worthy season, which will likely culminate as such in a couple of weeks. He already has a ring, so its going to mean a lot for his hobby resume if he can get a shot at another. Im very interested to see what happens, because playing Seattle in Seattle is a tall task.

2005 Exquisite Aaron Rodgers Auto Dual Patch RC

2005 SP Authentic Aaron Rodgers Auto Rookie Jumbo Patch /25

2013 Topps Five Star Aaron Rodgers Auto Patch Gold

Tom Brady – “The GOAT?”

Best Case Scenario: Wins and proves he still has it
Worst Case Scenario: Loses and people start to think its over

We should all be painfully aware that both Brady and Manning are in the twilight of their career. Brady is already in elite company with 3 Rings, and another would put him further ahead. There was talk early in the year that he was losing it due to age, but a rebound showed that was far from the case. Best not to let those whispers back in.

Brady doesnt sign often, but when he does, his cards are ridiculous:

2014 Flawless Tom Brady Auto Encased

2010 Plates and Patches Tom Brady Auto Patch

2014 Topps Tom Brady SSP Variation Auto BGS 9.5

Davante Adams – “Hobby Newbie”

Best Case Scenario: Play well and rise from hobby obscurity
Worst Case Scenario: Continue in hobby obscurity

Although Richardson would have also been involved, Davante Adams is the only rookie from the shoot really left in it. Zurlon Tipton is also a consideration, but he likely wont get as many look. Being that Adams is the guy, it spells a lot of attention from collectors. Although guys like Boom Herron has not risen above his own obscurity, he isnt a rookie this year. Rookies are always more important in that respect.

Here is where they are selling:

2014 Topps Finest Davante Adams Auto Patch Red Refractor /75

2014 SP Authentic DaVante Adams Auto Tag Patch Inscription RC /10

2014 Topps Strata Paul Richardson Shadowbox Auto Relic /40

This is where we really get to find out who is ready for Prime Time in 2014, and I cannot wait to see who rises to the occasion. With guys like Eddie Lacy and Rob Gronkowski looking to establish themselves as worthy of being collected at positions where the hobby has lost favor, this could be bigger than just the QBs.

Either way, we are in for some awesome games, and I cannot wait to see what happens.