The Top NFL Cards to Buy & Invest in for 2024

The end of the NBA and NHL playoffs means NFL training camp is already around the corner. As collectors continue to navigate the summer months, some may start looking for opportunities to invest in NFL cards. Focusing on the best football cards, as well as the best football card packs to buy, can make all the difference in finding healthy margins for a collectible. So, what are the best NFL cards to invest in ahead of the 2024 NFL season? Answering that question starts with pinpointing the best NFL card packs to buy and understanding which football cards are the best to collect as the calendar shifts toward training camp and preseason.

Let’s take a look at some questions collectors might be faced with, as well as potential options for investment strategies.

What’s the best NFL card pack to buy?

Panini Donruss

Over the years, Panini Donruss NFL has produced some of the more unique and collectible NFL cards. Their Downtown set features elaborate illustrations unique to each player featured. Additionally, various chrome and base sets are also found in Donruss packs. Optic Rated Rookies are consistently among some of the more valuable NFL cards across the marketplace.

Score NFL Football

More of a straight-forward pack with less variation when it comes to card presentation. Score features chrome and other more artistic cards, however, most cards in packs will be consistent with the Score base set. These cards are still collectible, however, and a good option for those casual collectors who enjoy picking up a pack and searching for their favorite players.

Panini Select NFL

An exclusive pack featuring limited edition cards. Most of the cards pulled from these high-end packs will be chrome, holographic, or feature autographs and jersey cards. These packs are for more serious collectors who are looking for long-term investments.

Panini Contenders NFL

The Panini Contenders NFL series is famous for its autographed rookie cards. The look of these cards mirror an actual ticket and come in variations featuring parallels and die-cuts. It’s likely you will find 5 autographs in a single box of Panini Contenders. It also features legends and stars such as Barry Sanders, Justin Jefferson and Anthony Richardson. These cards are highly collectible and often see significant value appreciation over time.

What’s the best brand of NFL cards to collect?

Panini NFL Trading Cards

With this specific brand, options exist for collectors of varying levels of experience. Donruss, Select, Prizm, and Prestige are all sought-after packs under the Panini NFL trading card umbrella. For collectors looking for value, Panini offers multiple opportunities to diversify collectibles without comprising value or reputability.

What are the best football cards to buy?

Jalen Hurts 2020 Optic #164 Blue Scope Rookie RAW

The Donruss Rated Rookie set of cards is consistently among the most valuable for NFL collectors. This specific Blue Scope card has seen its value climb steadily over the month of June. On June 11, this card sold for $20. It most recently sold on June 30 for $75. Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles are coming off a disappointing 2023 campaign. Still, this was a Super Bowl team led by the MVP runner-up the previous year. Hurts collectibles could skyrocket in value should he rediscover his 2022 form in Kellen Moore’s new system.

CJ Stroud 2023 Mosaic #292 Pink Camo Rookie RAW

Any list of the most collectible players in the NFL heading into 2024 will likely feature C.J. Stroud. The prices of the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year’s rookie cards continue to trend upward. This specific card peaked at $59.49 on June 13. Most recently, the card was sold for $35 on June 29. As Stroud and the Texans continue to make strides, this price tag will likely correlate.

Jordan Love 2020 Select #47 Concourse Silver Rookie RAW

C.J. Stroud’s rookie season elevated his status among collectors. Jordan Love’s first playoff run had a very similar impact on his stock. After two seasons behind Aaron Rodgers, Love took over as the full-time starter and led the Packers to the playoffs. With rumors of an extension, Green Bay seems ready to commit to Love as its next franchise quarterback. This card was last sold on June 29 for $17, a drop from the $24.84 average sale price on June 9. Should an extension come down before the 2024 season, the price of the card could be impacted.

Patrick Mahomes 2017 Panini Prizm Rookie Card

Patrick Mahomes has quickly established himself as one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL. His 2017 Panini Prizm Rookie Card is highly sought after and has shown significant value appreciation. Given his talent and potential for a Hall of Fame career, this card is a strong investment. As Mahomes continues to win and wow the NFL, his stock should allow all of his cards to increase in value.

Justin Herbert 2020 Panini Donruss Optic Rated Rookie

Justin Herbert has impressed with his performances since entering the league. His 2020 Panini Donruss Optic Rated Rookie card is highly collectible. When getting a PSA grade of 9 or 10 you can see this card selling for roughly $1,000. Herbert’s potential and marketability make this card a solid investment choice.

Are NFL cards worth buying?

In most cases, NFL cards are a longer term investment. For collectors who enjoy the various twists and turns that may come with that, though, NFL cards can be worth buying. Whether it be for a personal collection, or for an investment opportunity, the chase of the unique cards that exist specifically in the NFL marketplace can make it an enticing venture for collectors.

For the novice collector, sometimes there’s no better feeling than pulling that sought-after rookie card from that pack you decided to pick up.