Ever wonder which football cards will be worth more next year? The world of football card collecting moves fast! New rookies shine, and established stars keep playing hard. This excitement makes picking the best cards to buy right now tricky. You don’t want to spend your money on a card that won’t hold its value.
Navigating the current market can feel like trying to read a defense on the final down. Which players are about to explode? Which sets offer the best bang for your buck? We know you want to invest wisely and find those hidden gems before everyone else does. That’s where we step in to help you tackle this challenge.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly which football cards smart collectors are targeting today. You will learn about rising stars and proven veterans whose cards are smart buys. Get ready to build a collection that pays off! Keep reading to discover our top picks for football cards you should grab right now.
Top Football Cards To Buy Right Now Recommendations
- You will receive at least 60 NFL Football cards in factory sealed, vintage packs.
- Brands may include Topps, Bowman, Fleer, Pro Set, Score, Upper Deck and more.
- Years range from 1980's-1990's.
- Possible Rookie Cards, Hall of Famers, and all the big names came from this era!
- Possible Dan Marino , Emmitt Smith , Troy Aikman , Joe Montana , Barry Sanders Cards
- Each pack includes: 20 trading cards
- Discover 3 exclusive blue parallels per pack, typically
- Search for the rare KABOOM inserts
- Keep an eye out for the ultra-rare EXPLOSIVE inserts
- Absolute Football: A classic collection celebrating top NFL stars and rookies. Find Green Base and Rookie Card parallels, plus a variety of retail-exclusive autograph and memorabilia cards! Showcasing the 2024 Rookie Draft Class
- HIGH-QUALITY ASSORTED CARDS - PressTine provides 100 assorted football cards plus 2 memorabilia cards that are high-quality. Each football card is in near-mint condition, offering valuable quality for collectors.
- HAND-PICKED MEMORABILIA CARDS INCLUDED - Every football card pack comes with 2 special memorabilia cards, either an autograph or a jersey card. This adds an extra layer of excitement for both seasoned collectors and beginners.
- CURATED SELECTION IN NEAR-MINT CONDITION - All football trading card packs are factory-sealed to preserve their near-mint-condition. This ensures that collectors can enjoy pristine cards right out of the pack, perfect for display or trading.
- DIVERSE YEAR AND BRAND MIX - Our football sports cards span from the 70s to the present, featuring cards from licensed manufacturers and brands. Every sports cards pack offers something different, with a chance to find key players and memorable moments.
- MUST-HAVE FOR ANY COLLECTOR – The PressTine 100 Football Cards Set works well for new and experienced collectors. Our football cards packs are an easy way to grow or start a collection, and they also make a nice gift for football fans.
- Years range from 1980's-1990's
- All packs are original and sealed
- Chance of finding possible superstars like Brett Favre, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman & more!
- 300 cards typically equals 20-22 packs
- Brands will vary and stock photos used
- Kruk Cards Exclusive! 100 Vintage Football Cards in Older Factory Sealed Packs
- You will receive at least (100) football cards in factory sealed, vintage packs.
- Authenticity Guaranteed: Each pack is factory-sealed, ensuring that the cards inside are untouched and in near mint/mint condition.
- Variety of Eras: The collection includes packs from various decades, offering a diverse range of players and teams.
- Perfect for Collectors and Enthusiasts alike! Everyone loves opening packs!
- Fat Pack Box Details: 22 cards per pack, 12 packs per box, totaling 264 trading cards
- Spot Autographs of Top NFL Players
- Discover Exclusive Green Parallels
- Unveil Ultra-Rare Inserts like Permit to Dominate and Superstar Die-Cuts
- Contenders Football 2024: Autographs, Parallels, Inserts and More
- Exact cards per lot varies- Please see pics for possible cards
- Great starter kit for first time collectors or party favors. Great Gift
- All cards are near mint to mint condition
- Lots could include a mix of vintage to modern players.
- All lots are shipped in Custom Souvenir Case to ensure cards arrive undamaged.
- Top NFL Talent – From legendary Hall of Famers to today’s brightest stars, each lot includes a dynamic assortment of pro football’s biggest names.
- Great for All Ages – Whether you're just getting started or adding to an existing collection, these cards are perfect for kids, teens, and collectors of all levels.
- Perfect Gift Idea – Makes an awesome birthday gift, stocking stuffer, or party favor for any football fanatic.
- Authentic & Professionally Packaged – Cards are sourced from major brands like Panini, Donruss, Score, and more. Each lot is carefully curated and securely packaged for delivery.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Football Cards to Grab Now
Football cards offer exciting ways to collect memories and maybe even make some money. Choosing the right cards now is key. This guide helps you pick the best ones today.
Key Features to Look For
When you buy football cards, look closely at a few important things. These features tell you how valuable the card might become.
- Rookie Cards (RC): These are cards featuring a player’s very first year in the professional league. Rookie cards are usually the most sought-after.
- Autographs and Relics: Cards signed by the player (autographs) or containing a tiny piece of a game-used jersey or football (relics) are very popular. They add uniqueness.
- Numbered Parallels: These are special versions of a base card, printed in limited amounts (like 1 of 50). The lower the number, the rarer the card.
- Inserts and Short Prints: These are special, harder-to-find cards mixed into regular packs. They often have unique designs or feature star players.
Important Materials
The stuff cards are made from matters a lot for how long they last and how much they cost.
- Card Stock: Modern, high-end cards often use thicker, premium card stock. This feels sturdy and looks better than thin cardboard.
- Acetate/Plexiglass: Some premium cards use clear plastic (acetate) instead of regular paper. This gives them a unique, shiny look.
- Ink Quality: For autographed cards, the ink used must stick well to the card surface. Poor ink can smudge over time.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Card Quality
A card’s condition directly affects its worth. Always check the edges and corners first.
Improving Factors (What makes a card better):
- Centering: The picture on the card should be perfectly centered within the borders. Good centering earns high grades.
- Surface Quality: The card surface should be smooth, without scratches, dents, or print defects.
- Professional Grading: Sending a card to a grading company (like PSA or Beckett) and receiving a high score (like a 9 or 10) greatly improves its perceived quality and value.
Reducing Factors (What makes a card worse):
- Corner Wear: Soft, rounded, or dinged corners lower the card’s grade quickly.
- Surface Scratches: Even small scratches visible under light reduce value.
- Sticker Autos: Autographs applied using a sticker placed on the card are often less valued than “on-card” autographs.
User Experience and Use Cases
Why are you buying these cards? Your goal changes what you should buy.
- For Collecting/Nostalgia: If you love a specific team or player, focus on buying base rookie cards or nice-looking insert sets featuring them. Opening packs for the thrill of the pull is part of the fun here.
- For Investment: If you aim to sell later, prioritize highly graded rookie cards of young, breakout stars or established superstars (like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen). Low population numbers (rare cards) are your target.
- For Trading: Buy popular, mid-range rookie cards of players who are performing well *now*. These are easier to trade with friends or at local card shows.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Buying Football Cards Now
Q: Which football card brand should I buy right now?
A: Panini is the main brand currently licensed for NFL trading cards. Look for their premium lines like Prizm, National Treasures, or Donruss Optic for the best quality and resale potential.
Q: Are older (vintage) football cards better investments than new ones?
A: It depends. Vintage cards (pre-1980s) are scarce, but modern rookie cards of current stars often see faster growth early in a player’s career.
Q: What is a “Prizm” card, and why is it important?
A: Prizm is Panini’s most popular line. These cards have a distinct, shiny, chrome finish. Silver Prizms are the base version, but colored parallels sell for much more.
Q: How do I know if a card is truly a rookie card?
A: Look for the “RC” logo printed directly on the card, usually near the player’s name or statistics. This confirms it’s from their debut year set.
Q: Should I buy sealed hobby boxes or individual loose cards?
A: For investment, buy professionally graded individual cards of established stars. For the fun of opening packs, buy sealed hobby boxes, which guarantee more hits (autographs/relics).
Q: What price range should I expect for a solid rookie card?
A: A common, ungraded rookie card of a decent player might cost $5 to $20. A highly graded rookie of a superstar can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Q: How important is the grade (e.g., PSA 10)?
A: The grade is extremely important for high-value cards. A card graded a ’10’ (Gem Mint) is worth significantly more than the exact same card graded an ‘8’ (Near Mint-Mint).
Q: What’s the difference between an autograph sticker and an on-card autograph?
A: An on-card auto is signed directly onto the card surface, which collectors prefer. A sticker auto means the player signed a sticker, and the company then affixed it to the card.
Q: How should I store the cards I just bought?
A: Always place valuable cards immediately into penny sleeves (a soft plastic bag) and then into a rigid top-loader or one-touch magnetic holder. Store them flat in a cool, dry place away from sunlight.
Q: When is the best time of year to buy football cards?
A: Prices often rise just before the season starts (August/September) as excitement builds. However, you might find better deals immediately after the NFL Draft (April/May) before rookies get big contracts.