Introduction
The sports card market is wasting no time making noise this year. With the NFL playoffs in full swing, collectors are reacting fast and decisively to big moments, breakout performances, and postseason heroics. As we often see this time of year, football cards are leading the charge, but baseball legends and emerging basketball stars are quietly posting strong gains as well.
From rookie quarterbacks making their mark to established stars reinforcing their long-term value, this week’s market activity highlights exactly how performance, timing, and narrative intersect in today’s hobby.
Let’s take a look at the overall market first, then break down the Top 5 sports cards heating up by Sports Card Investor.
Sports Card Market Pulse
The broader market remains firmly in positive territory.
According to Market Movers data:
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The SEI 500 Index is up 8.3% over the last 30 days
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The index is also up 2.4% since the start of the year
That momentum suggests collector confidence remains strong, especially around premium football cards. Playoff-driven volatility is creating opportunities on both the high and low ends of the market, with prices responding quickly to on-field results.
Top 5 Sports Cards Heating Up
#5. Riley Leonard
Rookie quarterback Riley Leonard finds himself on this week’s list after making his first NFL start in Week 18. While the Colts were already eliminated, Leonard’s performance showed enough promise to spark immediate hobby interest.
He threw for 214 yards and a touchdown, added 46 rushing yards, and displayed the kind of poise collectors look for in speculative quarterback plays.
Notable Card Prices:
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2025 Certified Freshman Fabric Signatures /499 (Raw): from $12 to $20
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2025 Donruss Rated Rookie Auto Orange (Raw): from $10 to $43
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2025 Mosaic Rookie Scripts Auto (Raw): previously under $5 to $22–$36
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2025 Origins Rookie Auto (Raw): as low as $3 in December to $31
Market takeaway: Still affordable, but extremely volatile. Leonard’s future role will determine whether this spike holds.
#4. Deni Avdija
Deni Avdija has quietly become one of the hottest names in the basketball card market. Over his last stretch of games, he has been filling the stat sheet with efficient scoring, strong rebounding, and playmaking, all while contributing on defense.
Collectors have taken notice, pushing his rookie autos and silvers higher across the board.
Notable Card Prices:
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2020 Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto Shooting (Raw): from $80 to $155
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2020 Prizm Silver PSA 10: from $280 to $312–$340
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2020 Prizm Silver (Raw): from $14–$25 to $30–$35
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2020 Revolution Rookie Auto Asia (Raw): from $29 to $50
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2020 Select Youth Explosion Auto (Raw): from under $40 to $47.50
Market takeaway: Sustained performance is driving steady, healthy appreciation, not just hype spikes.
#3. Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy and the 49ers are heating up at the perfect time. Over the last month, Purdy has looked confident and efficient, capped by a big win over the Eagles that pushed his card prices higher.
His market is responding across both affordable base rookies and premium inserts.
Notable Card Prices:
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2022 Chronicles Rookie Base PSA 10: from under $20 to $37
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2022 Optic Downtown PSA 9: from $1,500 to $1,600
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2022 Prizm Silver PSA 10: from $375 to $580–$600
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2024 Donruss Downtown (Raw): from $276 to $510
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2025 Absolute Kaboom Horizontal (Raw): from $457 to $648
Market takeaway: Playoff wins continue to be the biggest catalyst for quarterback cards.
#2. Trevor Lawrence
Although the Jaguars’ playoff run has ended, Trevor Lawrence’s cards remain strong following an excellent second half of the season. His growth as a franchise quarterback is clearly reflected in recent price action.
Even with offseason cooling likely ahead, his long-term outlook remains very solid.
Notable Card Prices:
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2021 Absolute Kaboom PSA 9: from $1,275 to $1,600
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2021 Clearly Donruss Downtown (Raw): from $900 to $1,100
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2021 Donruss Base Rookie PSA 10: from $20 to $28–$37
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2021 Optic Downtown PSA 10: from $950 to $1,850
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2021 Prizm Silver (Raw): from as low as $7 to $60
Market takeaway: Elite quarterbacks retain value even after playoff exits.
#1. Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams takes the top spot this week after delivering one of the most impressive playoff comeback performances of the season. Down big at halftime, Williams led the Bears to a stunning win, instantly elevating both his reputation and his card market.
Collectors wasted no time reacting.
Notable Card Prices:
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2024 Absolute Kaboom Horizontal (Raw): from $560 to $1,100
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2024 Donruss Base Rookie PSA 10: from $34 to $52–$62
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2024 Donruss Downtown PSA 10: from $1,100–$1,200 to $1,800
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2024 Prizm Silver PSA 10: from $526 to $770–$850
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2024 Topps Now Draft Base PSA 10: from $29 to $67
Market takeaway: Playoff heroics plus star quarterback narrative equals explosive price action.
FAQs
1. Why do sports cards spike during the NFL playoffs?
Playoffs amplify visibility and emotion. Big moments create instant demand, especially for quarterbacks.
2. Are these prices sustainable long-term?
Some will cool in the offseason, but elite players often establish higher price floors.
3. Should collectors buy during playoff hype?
Buying during hype carries risk. Many prefer buying dips after playoff runs end.
4. Why are quarterbacks so dominant in the card market?
They control the narrative, the spotlight, and the outcome, making them the most collectible position.
5. Do graded cards matter more than raw?
Yes. PSA 9s and PSA 10s remain the most liquid and trusted by collectors.
6. What’s the best way to track card prices?
Daily tracking tools like Market Movers help collectors identify trends and timing.
Final Thoughts
This week’s market action reinforces a familiar lesson: moments matter. Whether it’s a playoff comeback, a breakout stretch, or sustained excellence, collectors are reacting faster than ever.
As the NFL playoffs continue, expect volatility, opportunity, and more rapid price movement, especially at the quarterback position.
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