Hobby Breakdown: AFC Championship Game

A few days ago I broke down the NFC championship game from the perspective of value in the hobby. Today I want to do a similar thing for the AFC. Remember, this is not a discussion of who is better or who is going to win. Its just a recap of hobby value.

Quarterback

Starter: Peyton Manning

Team: Colts

Rookie Year: 1998

Best Rookie Card: 1998 Playoff Contenders

Average Sell Value For That Card: $3,000

Autos Usually Sell For: $120

Commentary: Manning's contenders auto is EXTREMELY rare and is EXTREMELY expensive. I actually had to guess based on a few ending auctions. If the Colts win this year, he definitely becomes a front runner in the Brady/Manning/Montana/Marino conversation for the best ever.

Starter: Mark Sanchez

Team: Jets

Rookie Year: 2009

Best Rookie Card: 2009 Playoff Contenders (So Far)

Average Sell Value For That Card: $170

Autos Usually Sell For: $150 (all rookies)

Commentary: Sanchez is not the reason why the Jets are in this game, but collectors have overlooked his struggles. His most expensive card will be his Exquisite auto, but without release, the Contenders tops the list. If the Jets win, look for major movement, especially before and after the Super Bowl.

Advantage: Colts

Running Back

Starter: Joseph Addai

Team: Colts

Rookie Year: 2006

Best Rookie Card: 2006 Exquisite Collection

Average Sell Value For That Card: $85

Autos Usually Sell For: $20

Commentary: Addai has never gotten any love, from being swept up in the hype of Reggie Bush, or being lost among the Mannings, he hasnt found a niche yet with collectors. I dont see it changing much unless he blows up in the final two games, mainly because of a mediocre season.

Starter: Shonn Greene

Team: Jets

Rookie Year: 2009

Best Rookie Card: 2009 Playoff Contenders (So Far)

Average Sell Value For That Card: $50

Autos Usually Sell For: $30 (all rookies)

Commentary: If there is one person in this game that could hit the stratosphere in terms of value, its Shonn Greene. He has had an amazing run through the playoffs, and with a victory, or a good performance tomorrow, he could be a hobby superstar next year.

Advantage: Tie

Wide Receiver

Starter: Reggie Wayne

Team: Colts

Rookie Year: 2001

Best Rookie Card: 2001 Playoff Contenders

Average Sell Value For That Card: $130

Autos Usually Sell For: $20

Commentary: Reggie Wayne is one of the best receivers in the league, but you wouldnt know it from his prices. His value really doesnt have that much room to improve either, as colts receivers have never been appreciated. I would call that the Manning effect, evidenced by Harrison's low prices too, but I have a feeling its more their position.

Starter: Braylon Edwards

Team: Jets
Rookie Year: 2005 (Browns)

Best Rookie Card: 2005 Exqusite Collection

Average Sell Value For That Card: $90

Autos Usually Sell For: $15 and Under

Commentary: Edwards went from hobby love child to hobby outcast during his stint with the Browns, mostly because of performance. When he was traded to the Jets, things picked up as the Jets got better. He really hasnt done much, but the fans still want his stuff.

Advantage: Colts

Tight End

Starter: Dallas Clark

Team: Colts

Rookie Year: 2003

Best Rookie Card: 2003 UD SPX and 2003 Playoff Contenders (tie)

Average Sell Value For That Card: $45

Autos Usually Sell For: $30

Commentary: Dallas Clark may be the best tight end in the league, and fans love the goofy white guy playing like a human bowling ball. His cards are suprisingly expensive, but I doubt they will go anywhere higher with a Colts win.

Starter: Dustin Keller

Team: Jets

Rookie Year: 2008

Best Rookie Card: 2008 Exquisite Collection

Average Sell Value For That Card: $22

Autos Usually Sell For: $15 (all rookies)

Commentary: Keller is a newcomer to the scene and has become a favorite target of Mark Sanchez. He has a lot of value upside, but I doubt he will be a decision maker in this game. If he is, he could move to a higher bracket for good.

Advantage: Colts

Overall

At this point, we can call it for the Colts, and they are the favorite in the game as well. I think this game may end up being closer than many of us expect it to be, and I am predicting a Colts/Vikings Super Bowl. For this type of comparison, the star power sides with Indy, and I believe its going to seem that way on the field too. However, the wild card is the choke hold of the Jets defense, which could spell defeat for Peyton.

Advantage: Colts