As the NFL season builds to its grand finale, collectors and investors turn their attention to a question that comes up every year: do Super Bowl card values peak before the game or after?
From superstar quarterbacks to breakout rookies, the weeks leading up to the Super Bowl are a hotbed of hobby hype. But what actually happens to card prices after the confetti falls?
Let’s break down the most common patterns in Super Bowl card trends, what history tells us, and what to know for this year’s championship stars.
Pre-Game Hype Drives Super Bowl Card Values Up
The time between the conference championships and the Super Bowl is one of the most active periods for football card movement all year.
- Collectors buy into potential. As teams clinch their Super Bowl spots, demand grows for key players, especially quarterbacks. Values often rise in anticipation of a legacy moment or MVP-worthy game.
- Submissions and sales heat up. Sellers often list key cards in the weeks before the Super Bowl to capture hype, while some collectors rush grading orders hoping for fast returns.
- Prices can jump fast. In past years, rookie cards for Super Bowl QBs and skill players have doubled, sometimes more, in the short window between the playoffs and the game.
For example, this season saw Sam Darnold’s graded cards surge over 100% after leading Seattle to the big game. Similarly, Drake Maye’s rookie cards drew investor attention as he positioned himself as a rising star in New England.
After the Game: Cooldown or Long-Term Gain?
Players on the Winning Team
Cards for players on the winning team often hold value better post-game, especially if they have big moments or take home MVP. Quarterbacks tend to benefit the most.
But the post-Super Bowl pop is usually modest. In many cases, prices stabilize rather than spike higher.
Players on the Losing Team
For players on the losing team, prices often dip slightly, especially if the hobby was speculating on a Super Bowl win. The bigger the pre-game hype, the more likely there’s a letdown.
Quarterbacks vs Other Positions
Quarterbacks usually hold value better. Position players like wide receivers or running backs need a highlight moment or record-breaking performance to maintain post-game heat.
2026 Super Bowl LX: Who Has the Highest Card Value?
This year’s matchup features two quarterbacks with growing market value:
- Sam Darnold (Seahawks): A comeback story with surging interest. His cards have already doubled in value as of late January.
- Drake Maye (Patriots): A rising MVP contender whose rookie cards are quickly gaining ground.
Other players with strong value potential:
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks): NFL leader in receiving yards
- Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks): Consistent touchdown producer
- Stefon Diggs (Patriots): If active, brings big-name appeal
- Christian Gonzalez (Patriots): Defensive playmaker with breakout potential and growing fanbase appeal
Expectations and game-day performances will influence whether these names hold, climb, or slide in value.
Should You Sell Now or Wait?
Selling Before the Game:
✅ Capture peak hype
✅ Avoid risk of loss or low performance
✅ Easier to predict pricing patterns
Selling After the Game:
✅ Chance to ride a Super Bowl MVP surge
✅ Great if your player has a legacy moment
🚫 Risk of cooldown or dip, especially on a loss
Many collectors recommend selling before the Super Bowl unless you’re holding a truly iconic or long-term investment card. History shows that most short-term spikes fade quickly after the game.
Graders Choice, legally speaking, is only offering an opinion on timing. Readers should decide for themselves when it is best to sell their cards based on their personal goals and comfort level.
For Collectors, Timing Is Part of the Strategy
If you’re grading or flipping football cards, the Super Bowl window offers opportunity but also risk. Think about your player’s story:
- Are they a rookie QB like Drake Maye?
- A comeback veteran like Darnold?
- A hot receiver like Smith-Njigba?
These factors all play into whether Super Bowl card values rise or fall in the days ahead.
Your MVP for Submitting Cards: The Graders Choice Kit
Big game hype is a reminder that timing and presentation matter.
Whether you’re prepping rookie patch autos or silver Prizms, the Graders Choice Submission Kit helps you protect your cards and submit with confidence.
Each kit includes:
- Penny sleeves
- Semi-rigid holders
- Microfiber cloth
- Shock-absorbing foam
- Self-sealing box
- Sticker for grading barcode
It’s designed for serious collectors and compatible with PSA, BGS, CGC, SGC, and more.
Final Whistle: Know When to Hold, Know When to Sell
The Super Bowl might crown one team, but for collectors, it’s a test of timing. Card values don’t always follow the scoreboard. They follow hype, expectation, and narrative.
If your player is already heating up, it might be time to sell. If they’re about to have a career moment, holding could pay off.
Whatever your play, make sure your cards are protected and presented right. That’s how champions submit.
English