Now that 2015 Topps Football has been on the market for almost a week, I think its worth taking a look at some of the ups and downs of the product. Topps did a really good job of adding some extra elements to the set this year, and they also missed the boat on a few different parts of the product as well. Here are some thoughts.

On Card Rookie Content

Topps has done a good job with these programs over the last few years, and 2015 is no different. The cards look really good with few exceptions, and as a whole, the Rookie Premiere autos look better than they ever have. Some of the on card autos are generating some high end prices compared to previous years, especially the multi-signed cards done during the photo shoot. I absolutely think these cards are the best of the entire product, and that might be a huge understatement. Considering we will be, AT MINIMUM, 11 products into Panini’s calendar before they have any potential at a large on card rookie program, Topps is kicking their ass.

Examples:

2015 Topps Mariota/Winston/Gurley/Cooper Quad Rookie Premiere Auto

2015 Topps Melvin Gordon 1987 Super Rookie Auto /25

2015 Topps Ameer Abdullah Rookie Premiere Auto

2015 Topps Devin Smith 1976 Retro Auto

Verdict: Touchdown

On Card Rookie Content SP List

Despite looking incredible as a whole, the SP list is rightfully generating some complaints. In previous years of Topps Football, the SP list really didnt apply in quantities from the on card programs, but in 2015 its everywhere. The best rookies are all out of 25, with even some second tier guys being SPed significantly. Although this increases value on the secondary market CONSIDERABLY, its not something wax breakers are happy with.

Examples:

2015 Topps Jameis Winston 1963 Mini Auto /25

2015 Topps TJ Yeldon Rookie Premiere Auto /75

2015 Topps Devante Parker 1976 Retro Auto /25

Verdict: Punt

60th Anniversary Auto Set

If you are going to make a set like this, it had better be on card, or at the very least look really fucking awesome along the way. Although this retro set is stickers, the choices for sets that they used for the players works incredibly well. The checklist is also crazy strong, including some of the top signers in the game. I usually dont get excited about stickers for non-RC guys, but this is a set I really, really like. Its worth noting that in 2015 Topps Chrome mini, the sell sheet says they will be on card. Now that’s a blockbuster.

Check these out:

2015 Topps John Elway 60th Anniversary Auto /15

2015 Topps Dan Marino 60th Anniversary Auto /15

2015 Topps Odell Beckham 60th Anniversary Auto /35

Verdict: Touchdown

Veteran and Retired Base Autos

I love that Topps started adding base autos for non-RCs back in 2013, and I am happy that the checklist is strong. However, I cant get over the box around the sticker. The cards would have looked so much better without that frame, and it could have created some of the better base autos ever inserted in a set of this kind. Instead I just feel like the design cheapened the cards, which I know is more my pet peeve than anything.

Examples:

2015 Topps Odell Beckham SSP Variation Auto

2015 Topps Roger Staubach SSP Variation Auto

Verdict: Interception

Rookie Base Autos 

These look the way the veteran base autos should look. In 2011, Topps first started adding cards like this to the set, and they were insanely popular along the way. Of course, they were also SO MUCH rarer than they are today, and as a result, much more valuable. The 2015 ones look good, but because they are so common, they tend to be a lot less valuable. I still like them a lot, and I would collect them if the Vikings had a rookie I was collecting.

Examples:

2015 Topps Todd Gurley Auto SP Variation

2015 Topps Breshad Perriman Auto SP Variation

Verdict: First Down

SSP Photo Variations

I dont collect base cards very often. If something isnt autographed, it needs to be something of value to be in my collection. When these first started showing up back in the beginning of the decade, I really liked the concept, and started collecting my guys. Even though the rarity has definitely decreased over the last few years, I still love to pick up the Vikings who have variations. The addition of HOF players to the set for certain cards in the set is a wonderful idea, and the pictures looked great. The issue is that with 40 rookies plus a bunch of vets, I believe the SSP count was over 100. That’s just too much. It gets flooded at that point. Either way, they are still cool.

Examples:

2015 Topps Richard Sherman Holding Turkey SP Variation

2015 Topps Brett Favre Retired Player SP Variation

Verdict: First Down

Topps Huddle Set

You are probably wondering what I am talking about, and its because this set doesnt exist. In both Topps Series 2 Baseball and Topps Apex Soccer, as well as Topps Update Baseball coming out soon, the corresponding Topps Digital app has a program included. In Series 2, Bunt had pack inserts that provided access to free coins in the game, as well as digital card redemptions for powerful rare cards. Both were very successful. Huddle, likely due to lack of an NFL license at the moment, was not included in Football. Although the logistics may be muddy, its a huge miss, and something that should have been done some how, some way.

Verdict: Interception

Overall, I am sad that Topps wont likely have a set in this capacity come 2016, but this does serve as cool way to end the product square on their 60th anniversary. It has its peaks and valleys, but overall, its a great set.