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Collectors are hitting the Hobby waiver wire after Week 1 performances.
Just like fantasy football managers scour the waiver wire for breakout players after Week 1, smart collectors should be doing the same thing on eBay. While rookie Prizm Silver PSA 10 prices for established stars like Josh Allen ($5,100) and Lamar Jackson ($3,300) won't see dramatic price swings after one good game, there's real opportunity in the other players who just had statement performances or are primed for breakout performances after Week 1. For a full list of Rookie Silver Prizm PSA 10 prices visit our pre-season Fantasy Football / Prizm Silver price comparison article.
Here are the players whose cards you should be targeting right now - before the rest of the hobby catches up.
Category 1: The Surprise Breakouts
Justin Fields ($162) Week 1 Performance: 16 of 22, 218 passing yards, 48 rushing yards, 3 total touchdowns almost leading the Jets to victory over his former team.
Why it matters: Fields had an incredible day in his revenge game against the Steelers, showing the dual-threat ability that made him a first-round pick. At $162, his cards could easily push toward $250+ if he maintains the starting job and this type of play in New York. The collecting community has been waiting for Fields to put it all together, and performances like this create immediate buying pressure from collectors who've been holding out.
Daniel Jones (Significant Opportunity) Week 1 Performance: Incredible performance in his Colts debut, 22 of 29 for 272 yards passing along with 1 touchdown passing and 2 touchdowns on the ground, leading Indianapolis to a dominant 33-8 victory over Miami.
Why it matters: Jones' cards were near rock-bottom prices. His successful debut with Indianapolis represents a massive opportunity if he can sustain this level of play. Collectors can likely find his rookie cards and early parallels at basement prices right now, before the market realizes he might have found his landing spot.
Quentin Johnston ($22 pre-season) Week 1 Performance: Explosive breakout game showing the athleticism that made him a first-round pick.
Why it matters: Everyone knows about the dropped balls but there is true potential here. At just $22 for PSA 10 silver pre-season, Johnston represents incredible value if he's finally putting it together. The Chargers may be primed for a big season and the way Herbert looked in week 1 is very enticing for the Charger’s receiving core. His cards could easily double or triple if he maintains this level of production and becomes a consistent target in the Chargers' offense.
Keon Coleman ($60 pre-season) Week 1 Performance: Strong debut showing his potential as Buffalo's new weapon.
Why it matters: Coleman's PSA 10 silver cards were trading at $60 pre-season, but his Week 1 performance suggests he could become Josh Allen's go-to target. Josh Allen is arguably the most electrifying QB in the league and becoming the main option for the former MVP would be huge. In Buffalo's high-powered offense, that connection could drive his cards well over $100 quickly.
Category 2: The Names With Potential To Move Up
Geno Smith (New System Success) Week 1 Performance: 24 of 34 for 362 yards with a touchdown in Las Vegas's convincing win over New England
Why it matters: Smith's trade to Las Vegas has him in a better "market" situation. His strong debut along with the team outperforming expectations suggests he could be an affordable card worth looking at. Veteran quarterbacks who find new life often see their card values surge as collectors reassess their long-term potential.
J.J. McCarthy vs. Caleb Williams - The Better Value? J.J. McCarthy ($466 pre-season) vs. Caleb Williams ($694 pre-season)
Week 1 Performance: McCarthy led the Vikings to a comeback victory in his NFL debut, showing poise and accuracy in crucial moments, while Williams had an efficient start to the Ben Johnson era despite the loss and being outdueled by McCarthy.
Why it matters: Here's the key insight - McCarthy's cards were trading at $466 pre-season compared to Williams at $694, yet McCarthy might be the better investment moving forward. McCarthy might be in a great spot with Kevin O’Connell’s system being very QB friendly whether it’s Kirk Cousins, Sam Darnold or JJ. If McCarthy continues this level of play, his cards could easily surpass Williams' current pricing in the coming weeks, making him the better value play right now.
Bijan Robinson (Under $100 opportunity) Week 1 Performance: Solid performance continuing to show his elite potential.
Why it matters: Robinson's Prizm PSA 10 silver cards are still selling for under $100, which seems like a massive oversight for a player of his caliber who's likely going to have a superstar season. The consensus #2 overall pick in fantasy drafts is primed to solidify himself as one of the best offensive players in the game. This feels like one of the best value plays in the entire market right now.
Category 3: The Rookies That Delivered
Emeka Egbuka Week 1 Performance: 4 catches for 67 yards and 2 touchdowns, including the game-winner in Tampa Bay's victory over Atlanta
Why it matters: The rookie may not have even been on most collectors' radars, but his clutch Week 1 performance in a major market could make his cards extremely valuable before anyone realizes what happened. This is exactly the type of situation where early adopters can secure cards before the mainstream hobby catches on to a breakout story. While no Prizm Silver exists yet, consider looking at his 2023 1st Bowman Chrome University Refractor which sells raw for under $100.
Ashton Jeanty Week 1 Performance: 37 yards to go with a TD in his debut with Las Vegas.
Why it matters: While his Week 1 performance was modest, Jeanty looks primed to become the workhorse back Las Vegas needs. He represents value as the consensus top runner in the draft class. As a rookie showing early signs of earning more touches in an improved offense, his cards could easily establish premium pricing once he becomes the clear lead back.
Category 4: The Avoid List
Tua Tagovailoa (Concerning Performance) Week 1 Performance: Two interceptions and a fumble in Miami's embarrassing 33-8 loss to Indianapolis
Why it matters: Tua's struggles continue, and with star receiver Tyreek Hill expressing frustration on social media, Miami's offense looks problematic. Avoid his cards until he shows sustained improvement. Card values for struggling players in dysfunctional situations typically continue declining until there's a clear turnaround.
The Bottom Line Strategy
Week 1 provided several clear collecting opportunities:
Breakout Opportunities: Justin Fields ($162), Quentin Johnston ($22), and Keon Coleman ($60) represent players where card prices haven't caught up to their potential.
Value Comparisons: J.J. McCarthy ($466) is better positioned than Caleb Williams ($694) moving forward.
Undervalued Star: Bijan Robinson under $100 feels like stealing.
Rookie Chases: Emeka Egbuka and Ashton Jeanty appear primed for big seasons, look at their 1st Bowman auto cards and their Rookie cards from Donruss and Origins.
Market Timing: The key insight from Week 1 is that several overlooked players had major performances, creating unique collecting opportunities for those paying attention. These gaps between performance and market value rarely last long in the modern hobby.
Which player's Week 1 performance has you most excited for their card potential? Let us know on Mantel.
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