I am so excited for Kickoff that I cant even explain. Football is like a religion to me, and now that we are about to embark on another season, I could not have a better feeling right now. Of course, there are some major storylines that probably wont play out in week one, but also quite a few from the hobby that could. Here is what I would watch for.

Derek Carr on the Field Before Johnny Manziel

This is a surprise, and one that could add some really nice firepower to the hobby this year. Because Carr was generally thought of as the weakest prospect of the 4 main QBs, his starting before the other three is a VERY good thing for football cards. Collectors need someone to latch onto, and he has a great opportunity to be a lower tier guy that jumps clearly into the top tier. Look out though, because if he falls on his face, we could have another Geno Smith situation on our hands.

2014 Certified Derek Carr Mirror Black Auto Patch 1/1

2014 Topps Derek Carr Auto Variation RC

2014 Flair Showcase Derek Carr Gold Ink Auto

Other Rookies Making An Impact

The person I am most excited to see is Sammy Watkins, and I think there are many who feel the same way. Other rookies like Jadeveon Clowney are also poised to make a big splash, but its all relative to their teams’ confidence in their skills as a rookie. We have already seen guys like Brandin Cooks come alive during the preseason, and its going to be fun seeing what they have. If Manziel does end up getting some plays tomorrow, you can expect that everything else will shift to him. Just be aware.

2014 Topps Sammy Watkins Rookie Premiere Auto /90

2014 Topps Inception Jadeveon Clowney Glove Logo Patch Auto

2014 Certified Brandin Cooks Auto Patch Mirror Gold /25

Sophomore Slumps or Sophomore Utopia?

We already saw Eddie Lacy struggle and get hurt with a concussion on Thursday night, but I dont think anyone is counting him out. Other guys like EJ Manuel and Cordarrelle Patterson are ripe to step into big roles within their schemes, and its already clear that collectors are jumping on board as well. I think because the 2014 class is so hot, it might open up some buying opportunities within 2013 as a cheap alternative with big returns.

2013 National Treasures EJ Manuel Rookie Auto Patch /25

2013 Triple Threads Cordarrelle Patterson / Adrian Peterson Dual Auto Patch Booklet

2013 Platinum Eddie Lacy Logo Patch Auto 1/1

Nick Foles Gets His Shot

Everyone is talking about Andrew Luck and Russell Wilson (rightfully so), but I havent heard as much about Foles, who could end up having a huge year in a VERY weak NFC East. When all is said and done, it could be the Eagles going deep into the playoffs, and right now you can still pick up Foles relatively inexpensively. Now, he likely wont have the tremendous year he did last year, but he can still be a top collecting target for 2014.

2012 Topps Strata Nick Foles Shadowbox Auto RC

2012 Topps Chrome Nick Foles Auto RC BGS 9.5

2012 Contenders Nick Foles Auto Playoff Ticket BGS 9.5

Is Robert Griffin III Ready For Prime Time Again?

When it comes to deciding on targets, 2012 is running the show right now, and that’s fine by me. Griffin has made his way back after a rough go with Washington last year, and now that he looks to be back at full strength, there is a lot of questions as to whether or not he is capable of carrying the franchise. Of course, collecting trends favor the news, and he is not back to his 2012 dominance quite yet. If he gets back on track, look to see him back with his 2012 mates at the top.

2012 National Treasures Robert Griffin III Rookie Auto Patch BGS 9.5

2012 Triple Threads Robert Griffin III / Andrew Luck Dual Auto Patch Booklet

2012 Topps Chrome Robert Griffin III Auto Prism Refractor BGS 9.5

Again, hopefully you are as happy as I am that football is back, and definitely add your own things that you are watching too. Lets have a great season and take advantage of a great class.