For the playoffs every year, there are always storylines that have major hobby impact for seasons to come. It is the time where national attention shines on the good and the bad, especially as the rounds move closer to the Super Bowl. There are always a few players who gain the spotlight they would normally not have, and for 2011, there seem to be a few more late round and undrafted guys that are poised to make a huge splash. Of course you have guys like Julio Jones, Andy Dalton and AJ Green, but both already had a lot of attention going into the game yesterday. However, when a player is not a top pick on a top team, its tough to cultivate value outside of games where the whole nation is watching.

Arian Foster – Texans

Although Foster had a tremendous year last year, his lack of autographs and cards prevented a huge hobby bump because of his status as an undrafted free agent. His explosion was highlighted by a HUGE game in the first playoff victory for a team on the bubble. He is going to factor in more than any other player on the Texans because of the lack of a passing game, and the performance yesterday did him a ton of favors among the collectors who love hard nosed running backs. To start the year, it didnt look like he was poised to repeat his league leading production from 2010, but once he returned from his hamstring, it was obvious he was not going to have any issues. As a result, his cards have continued to grow in value, and after a win against the Bengals, this should continue in spades.

Look at these prices:

2009 Arian Foster Bowman Sterling Auto RC /25 BGS 9.5

2011 Arian Foster Gold Standard Auto Jersey /10

TJ Yates – Texans

Although he will NOT be the starter next year, Yates has proven to be someone that can benefit greatly from an injury plagued season by Matt Schaub and Matt Leinart. Yesterday, Yates was able to find the endzone on a bomb to Andre Johnson, which did wonders for his cards already moving up the value spectrum. I never understood why someone would buy cards for a guy that has no chance to be the continued starter for the team they play for, especially one that plays for a team that isnt widely collected outside of Texas.

Hasnt stopped anyone:

2011 Certified TJ Yates Mirror Black 1/1 RC auto

2011 Gridiron Gear TJ Yates RC auto /25

Victor Cruz – Giants

In general, wide receivers are not worth anything unless they are named Jerry Rice. Cruz has had a career year in a town that always has national attention for its sports teams, and a win today for the Giants could do wonders for his prospects. As a guy who was not expected to have a lot of playing time, he had very few rookie cards in 2010. With Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham on the roster, Cruz was likely to ride the bench for his career unless something drastic happened. Luckily for him, he got his shot, and definitely made the most of it. Since his coming out party during the middle of 2011, his few autographed cards have gone through the roof. He will no doubt be a guy companies will include in many 2012 products, but I dont see much value for anything but his rookies. Collectors are chasing them like crazy, so that may be an issue for Giants fans.

His cards are now worth quintuple what they were worth to start the season:

2010 Victor Cruz National Treasures Auto RC /99

2010 Victor Cruz Playoff Contenders RC Ticket Auto BGS 9.5

Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski – Patriots

The gruesome twosome of tight ends for New England have had record years during 2011, and look to be on track for a very productive playoff run. After scoring more TDs than any tight ends in the history of the NFL, Gronkowski’s cards have been among the most expensive of any rookie from 2010. Hernandez, as a Florida Gator, had value to start, but has become incredibly collectable on a very popular team. If New England makes another Super Bowl run, these guys’ cards will no longer be able to be purchased due to price.

Check it out:

2010 Rob Gronkowski National Treasures Logo Patch Auto RC

2010 Aaron Hernandez National Treasures Auto RC /25

Jordy Nelson – Packers

The Packers have since eclipsed the Cowboys as “America’s Team” per a recent poll, and Nelson has ridden the coattails of Aaron Rodgers all the way to hobby top billing. Nelson had a ridiculous campaign this year, and will likely play at least two games in this year’s playoffs. His Exquisite autos from 2007 have almost tripled in value during the course of the year, and it sure doesnt hurt to have a team around him like the Packers. Again, WR cards are rarely worth anything past rookie year offerings, but that is all that is available for Jordy. He has not had autographs in the last few years, and demand will always overshadow supply in that case.

Here is what I mean:

2008 Jordy Nelson Exquisite Auto Patch RC /199

Overall, I still expect there to be a very predictable outcome to the playoffs this year, but that will never be a bad thing for collectors of these popular teams. As the Super Bowl approaches, many of these cards will have potential for huge growth, however, holding instead of selling could be the worst idea possible. My advice is to strike while the iron is hot, especially on guys who probably wont make it all the way to the dance. Once the season is over, value disappears along with it.