Top Hobby Sleepers in Super Bowl XLIX
Super Bowl XLIX brings tons of great storylines: Tom Brady’s sixth Super Bowl, Russell Wilson looking for back-to-back championships, Seattle’s defense, etc. But one of the most interesting hobby storylines concerns sleeper players in the game. Who will break out, and what players will collectors react to? We love to jump on unknown players before they get hot, and with millions of eyeballs on the game tomorrow, there’s sure to be plenty of immediate reaction to the sleeper players who make an impact. Here are five players who have a really good shot at heating up significantly if they have game-changing performances. We also look at a few of their cards to keep an eye on that have a good chance of getting attention during and after the game.
Jamie Collins, LB, Patriots
The second-year linebacker for the Patriots had a break-out year with 74 tackles, four sacks and two interceptions. He added 15 tackles and one interception in the two playoff games. As a second-round draft pick out of Southern Mississippi, Collins was somewhat overlooked in card products last year, and wasn’t in any 2014 releases. He has just 117 total cards, including nine Rookie Cards. His top three RCs are autographed.
What to Watch During Super Bowl XLIX: 2013 Panini National Treasures #283 AU RC ($40), 2013 Panini Contenders #142A AU RC ($30), 2013 Panini Spectra #143 AU/299 RC ($20)
LeGarrette Blount, RB, Patriots
LeGarrette Blount rushed for more than 700 yards and seven touchdowns in 2013 during his first stent with the Patriots. After being cast out of Pittsburgh earlier this year, New England quickly picked him up. Blount averaged about 50 yards per game toward the end of the season. In the AFC Championship against the Colts, he romped for 148 yards on 30 carries, scoring three touchdowns. Seattle has allowed just 81.5 rushing yards per game all season, so how the Patriots use Blount will be interesting. If he ends up being the hero, his cards certainly will heat up quickly. He has more than 500 cards and 21 Rookie Cards, including a couple at $80, but most are no more than $30.
What to Watch During Super Bowl XLIX: 2010 Playoff National Treasures #265 AU RC ($80), 2010 Playoff Contenders #165 AU/287* RC ($40), 2010 SP Authentic #168 AU RC ($30)
Jermaine Kearse, WR, Seahawks
Seattle lives and dies by the run, is going to have to gain chunks of yards in the passing game to beat the Patriots. Jermaine Kearse was the team’s No. 2 receiver this season with 537 yards. He was one of the heroes in the playoff win over the Panthers with 129 yards and one touchdown. As an undrafted player in 2012, he has just two RCs, but he has more than 30 autographed cards. Upper Deck included him in any of its products in 2012.
What to Watch During Super Bowl XLIX: 2012 Exquisite Collection #112 AU ($40), 2012 SP Authentic Autographs #57 ($15), 2012 Bowman #187A RC ($1.25), 2012 Topps Magic #11 RC ($1)
Bobby Wagner, LB, Seahawks
The third-year player is yet another rising star on the Seattle defense that ranked No. 1 in rushing yards and No. 3 in passing yards allowed. Although he totaled more tackles and sacks last year, Wagner was named First Team All-Pro this season. He has nearly 300 total cards and 20 RCs. His 2012 Panini Contenders #107A AU/290 RC now books for $40, but most of his other top RCs can be found for $10-$15, including several autographed cards.
What to Watch During Super Bowl XLIX: 2012 Panini National Treasures #209 AU RC ($30), 2012 Panini Playbook #84 AU/140 RC ($15)
Danny Amendola, WR, Patriots
Danny Amendola has been in the NFL since 2009. He totaled more than 600 yards receiving in his first season with the Patriots in 2013. This year he had just 200 yards, but had 86 catches and two touchdowns against the Ravens in the playoff win. The Patriots are likely going to get creative at times to attach the best defense in the NFL, and that could mean more opportunities for Amendola. Has nearly 600 total cards but just one Rookie Card (below), priced pretty strongly at $30. Being his only one, it’s sure to get hot if he breaks out. He has more than 100 autographs.
What to Watch During Super Bowl XLIX: 2008 SP Authentic #129 RC ($30), 2011 Panini Preferred Player of the Day Autographs #DA ($30), 2013 Topps Prime Autographs #16 /150 ($15)
I was surprised not to see Julian Edelman on the list.