Hobby Breakdown: SUPER BOWL XLIV

Two weeks ago, I did some comparisons of the key players involved in the two championship games. Today, I am going to do a Panini style rehash of those posts with some new commentary on which team has the edge in terms of the hobby. Last time I was 1-1 in picking the games, but this time im out for BLOOD. Not really, just theoretically.

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: Drew Brees
Team: Saints
Rookie Year: 2001 (Chargers)
Best Rookie Card: 2001 Bowman Chrome Auto, 2001 Playoff Contenders Auto (tie)
Avg Sell Value For That Card: $400
Autos Usually Sell For: $70
Commentary: Brees has the advantage because he has autographed rookie cards. However, outside of his rookies, his auto can sell for as little as 36 bucks. I think he is one of the more undervalued players in the league, but a win on Sunday could vault his values into a higher value bracket.

Advantage: The Colts have the advantage here because Manning is a hobby MVP and league MVP. Brees is the second coming of a lot of famous QBs, but he has yet to achieve full potential.

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: Reggie Bush
Team: Saints
Rookie Year: 2006
Best Rookie Card: 2006 Exquisite Collection
Avg Sell Value For That Card: $600
Autos Usually Sell For: $40
Commentary: Bush was one of the most hyped up players coming out of college, and his cards reflected that. They still hold a ton of value in the rookies, but other than that, he has nothing. He has underperformed on the field as well, but a good game on Sunday can be huge for his values.

Advantage: The Saints have this one because collectors still love Reggie Bush for some god forsaken reason. He hasnt done anything worth talking about so far, but dont tell collectors that still pay hundreds for his high end stuff.

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: Marques Colston
Team: Saints
Rookie Year: 2006
Best Rookie Card: 2006 Exquisite Collection
Avg Sell Value For That Card: $75
Autos Usually Sell For: Under $10
Commentary: Colston is a good receiver on the field, but doesn’t have much of a following in the hobby. Like many good wide receivers, he is very underappreciated, and a good game probably wouldn’t help much.

Advantage: The Colts have this one as well, but not by much. Colston is great, but Wayne is a little bit greater on the field and in the hobby. I think if Wayne explodes on Sunday, which is completely within reason, he could widen the gap considerably.

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: Jeremy Shockey
Team: Saints
Rookie Year: 2002 (Giants)
Best Rookie Card: 2002 Playoff Contenders
Avg Sell Value For That Card: $42
Autos Usually Sell For: $15
Commentary: Shockey's mouth gained him a following as a Giant, but his performance forced him to a position with New Orleans. He has had somewhat of a resurgence, but not much. I hated this guy when he was a Giant, and I have a feeling I will hate him that much more on Sunday.

Advantage: This one is a solid win for Dallas Clark, who is followed thanks to his goofy white-guy-ness as well as his production. I even like Clark, and he is undoubtedly one of the best in the league.

Hobby Prediction For NFL Champs: Colts

My Prediction for NFL Champs: Colts

Record So Far: 1-1

Commentary: I just dont think New Orleans is going to be able to keep time with Peyton and the Colts. The offensive line will protect Manning more than the Vikings protected Favre, and Peyton does not/will not make any mistakes. When it comes to being a QB in the NFL, Manning is the prototype. Brees may be an Arnold Schwartzenegger T-800 to Manning's T-1000, but there wont be a vat of molten steel that can stop the Colts offense this time.