Introduction
The NFL season is only two weeks old, but the sports card market is already buzzing. Football cards are seeing explosive growth as breakout performances drive collector demand. But it’s not just football, baseball prospects and established stars across multiple sports are also fueling this week’s hottest trends.
Card shows are packed, record sales are being set, and the hobby is riding a wave of momentum. Whether you’re a longtime collector or new to investing in cards, now’s the time to watch which athletes are moving markets.
Before diving into the week’s top five cards by Sports Card Investor and Market Movers, let’s take a closer look at the overall market health.
Sports Card Market Pulse
The sports card market continues its impressive climb, outpacing traditional investments like stocks and even cryptocurrency. According to Market Movers data:
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The SEI 500 Index (500 of the most prominent sports cards) is up 1% over the past 7 days.
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Over the past 30 days, the index has jumped 8%.
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Year-to-date, the market is soaring 24%.
Interestingly, vintage soccer cards such as early Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo rookies are leading much of this growth. But strength is showing across the board, making this one of the hottest years for sports cards in recent memory.
With the market strong, let’s highlight the five cards trending the most right now.
Top 5 Sports Cards Heating Up This Week
#5: Franklin Arias
Prospecting is alive and well in the hobby, and Franklin Arias is a name to know. The Red Sox shortstop, ranked as their No. 1 organizational prospect, was recently promoted to Double-A Portland after a strong stint in Greenville. In his first few games at the higher level, he wasted no time showing off his bat, going 6-for-20 with extra-base hits and extending his hitting streak.
Card market reaction:
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2025 Bowman Chrome Prospect Auto (Raw) → up 46% in 30 days, recently sold for $65 (previously $38).
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Refractor Auto (Raw) → up 32%, reaching $119.
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Mega Box Blue Refractor /150 (Raw) → up 54%, most recently sold for $100 (previously $61).
Collectors are banking on Arius making the big leagues in the near future, and his first Bowman autos are already heating up.
#4: Mac Jones
Yes, you read that right Mac Jones is back in the top five. After signing a two-year deal with the 49ers, Jones got his chance when Brock Purdy went down with injuries. Starting in Week 2 against the Saints, Jones threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns, leading San Francisco to victory.
His cards responded with sharp gains:
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2021 Prizm Silver (PSA 10) → up from $25 to $80 in 30 days.
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2021 Optic Downtown (Raw) → jumped from $250 to $300.
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2021 Prizm Rookie Auto (Raw) → skyrocketed from $21 to $85.
While long-term investors may still be underwater compared to Jones’ rookie hype in 2021, short-term traders are seeing big gains from his surprise resurgence.
#3: Tyler Warren
Few rookies have made an impact as quickly as Tyler Warren. In his NFL debut, Warren caught 7 of 9 passes for 76 yards and added a rushing attempt. His strong performance earned him PFF Rookie of the Week honors and put him firmly on collectors’ radars.
Though his rookie cards are still limited, early releases are spiking:
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2025 Elite Pen Pals Auto (Raw) → up 44%, now selling for $73.
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2025 Origins Rookie Auto (Raw) → up 42%, hitting $89.
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2025 Origins Jumbo Patch Auto (Raw) → jumped from $15 to $60.
If Warren continues to shine, expect his cards in upcoming sets like Prizm and Optic to become highly sought-after.
#2: Josh Allen
Few players in the NFL have captured the spotlight like Josh Allen. After winning MVP last season, Allen is off to another stellar start, including a 394-yard, 4-touchdown performance in Week 1 followed by a gritty win in Week 2.
His card market is showing steady growth:
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2018 Donruss Base (PSA 10) → up from $210 to $244 in 30 days.
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2018 Optic Downtown (PSA 10) → recently sold for $5,900, up from $5,000 before the season.
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2018 Score Base (PSA 10) → up 21%, reaching $80.
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2024 Donruss Downtown (PSA 10) → jumped to $1,398 from just over $1,100 pre-season.
Allen’s mix of star power and MVP buzz makes him one of the safest hobby investments right now.
#1: Jordan Love
The biggest riser of the week is none other than Jordan Love. Leading the Packers to a 2-0 start, Love has thrown for nearly 500 yards and 4 touchdowns without an interception. His poise and efficiency are fueling both MVP chatter and surging card prices.
Recent card sales include:
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2020 Donruss Base (PSA 10) → up 40%, now at $48 (from $26 just a month ago).
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2020 Optic Downtown (PSA 10) → reached as high as $2,500.
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2020 Prizm Base (PSA 10) → more than doubled, from $24 to $58.
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2020 Select Field Level Silver (PSA 10) → up dramatically, now selling for $240+.
Collectors who believed in Love are being rewarded, and momentum suggests his market could climb even higher if he keeps winning.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Why are NFL cards dominating the market right now?
The NFL season just kicked off, and breakout performances create immediate spikes in demand for player cards.
2. Are rookie cards always the best investments?
Typically, yes, especially autographs and parallels, but stars like Josh Allen prove that veterans can still see strong growth.
3. What’s driving vintage soccer cards higher?
Global icons like Messi and Ronaldo are leading demand, with collectors viewing their rookie cards as long-term blue-chip assets.
4. Should I buy raw cards or graded ones?
Graded cards (PSA, BGS, SGC) hold stronger resale value, but raw cards offer entry-level opportunities, especially if you grade them yourself.
5. How do I track card prices in real-time?
Platforms like Market Movers provide detailed charts, sales data, and trends for all major sports cards.
Conclusion
The sports card market is red-hot, with NFL quarterbacks like Jordan Love and Josh Allen leading the charge, while baseball prospects like Franklin Arias and comeback stories like Mac Jones also capture attention.
Momentum is strong across multiple sports, and with the SEI 500 index up 24% year-to-date, it’s clear that the hobby continues to thrive as both a collector passion and an investment vehicle.
Whether you’re prospecting on rookies or doubling down on proven stars, this week shows one thing clearly: the right card at the right time can deliver huge returns.
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