Digital Card Central

With the season wrapping up, there are a lot of new cards flying around to capitalize on the last part of the playable game year. After yesterday there is only one game left, and Huddle is working overtime to help players get one last taste of the action. They are doing it in style none-the-less.

With Holiday VIP program taking hold, there was extra reason to spend the money to get each status, as two cards per level were distributed instead of just one. The Gold had two valor cards, one being a sig, Black had 2 Camo cards including one sig. As for the Diamonds, they got their own taste of awesomeness with 1/1 sigs and the normal Diamond 1/1. Here is a breakdown of the readily available cards.

Gold VIP – Earl Thomas Valor Series

Count: 369
Cool Factor: Leonidas Battle Ready
Play Value: MEDIUM
Boost: 10x

I love the Valor cards, as the design transfers from physical football cards better than any of the other series we have seen. Its crazy to think that Thomas has gone this long without cards, but with this batch, we see he is finally getting the attention he deserves. This is a great addition to the series, as the Legion of Boom is Valor material every day of the week, and twice on Sunday.

Gold VIP – Eddie Lacy Valor Sig

Count: 369
Cool Factor: Tonight We Dine in Hell!
Play Value: HIGH
Boost: 10x

I dont think anyone expected Lacy to have the level of success he did against the daunting Seahawks rush defense. He put up some numbers none-the-less, and this card made that very easy to capitalize on. As I said with Thomas, the Valor series looks good, but adding a Lacy sig is just the icing on the cake. It works so well, and I think the design team really liked having a card that looked good without much work. My only objection is how many of his sigs have been released over the last few weeks, as this will be number 3 with the playoff sig, sig reward (weeks 11-17), and the Valor. I would have liked Legarrette Blount to maybe get a shot.

Black VIP – Aaron Rodgers Black Camo Boost

Count: 69
Cool Factor: Blackhawk Helicopter
Play Value: EXTREME
Boost: 15x

This is a big card. A very big card. To have it for the game yesterday was really nice, even though Rodgers struggled to maintain his production from previous weeks. Even as a collection piece it still holds up long term because of Rodgers’ popularity, which makes it less of a bummer that the Packers couldnt get it done. It IS a bit confusing that this card looks so similar to the other camo boosts, but I dont think anyone really is complaining. When you view both Rodgers camo side by side, you can see the black tint applied. Too bad only one of these cards will be available for the Big Game, but it is what it is.

Black VIP – Russell Wilson Red Camo Boost Sig

Count: 69
Cool Factor: F18 Raptor Jet
Play Value: ????
Boost: 15x

With the way Wilson played yesterday, he deserves a -15x boost, as it was seriously one of the worst first halves I have ever seen played by a QB in a championship game. Somehow, the Seahawks pulled it out by the skin of their teeth, and Wilson seemed to get back to his old self. This card is going to be a beast come Super Bowl, but we just dont know which Wilson is going to show up. The red camo looks like Fire, which is beyond awesome, and to make it a sig puts this among the cooler cards in the game.

NOTE: I find it amazing how much value has shifted on these boost sigs. Last year’s boost sigs couldnt be given away. This year’s boost sigs are coveted. A testament to the cool factor of these cards.

VIP Signature Series – Earl Thomas

Count: 30
Cool Factor: Mont Blanc
Play Value: MEDIUM
Boost: 15x

Like I said, its crazy that Earl Thomas had so few cards leading up to this one. That being said, this is really cool to see him get the signature treatment. I would have liked to see another big offensive name instead, but that’s the points player in me. The collector in me is perfectly fine with this selection, as there are a lot of Seattle fans that would love to have this one at such a rare clip. Considering that sigs are more about the collection, Im all about this.

VIP Conference Championship Edition – Bobby Wagner

Count: 462
Cool Factor: Trophy Case Material
Play Value: MEDIUM
Boost: 15x

Its a crime that Bobby Wagner had to wait this long to get a card in Huddle, because he is one of the main reasons that the Seahawks made it as far as they did. Using the conference championship design for a special VIP card was a great idea, and with odds at 1:10 packs for Black VIP, this card was worth pulling pack after pack for. I think that Wagner is going to be featured much more often now that this card is available, which makes this release that much more important.

For more information about what VIP is all about – check out the section in the newbie tips from the top menu.

I work in Sales and Marketing in my real life, and there is one thing we are always judged by. Each time we come out with a new marketing campaign, or sales initiative, we are always asked one really simple question that can either make us rock stars or look like idiots. “How much better will this be than last year?”

Since the last time the NFL Playoffs rolled around, we have come so far in Huddle that it doesnt even look like Huddle anymore. Things are better looking, better functioning, and more competitive. If you cant see that for yourself, you likely werent A) paying attention or B) around last year.

Lets walk through some of the releases last year and how they compare to this year.

Playoff Base Set 

I cant even begin to describe the differences here, especially in the look and feel of the card. Although I am not saying I hated the design last year, its like loving your first car that you got and how you feel about your brand new BMW you bought when you grew up. Although there are limitations in place for 2014, it still looks about as boss as it can possibly be.

Playoff Sigs

Last year’s playoff sig was something at the time, as it was the first to really use a design that didnt fit in with the normal look of a huddle card. Nothing like this year, where the sig design is amazing all on its own, tweaked for the playoffs to look awesome. The addition of variant editions makes it even better.

Playoff Inserts

The MVP set has an advantage over this year with the use of action shots, but think of what could have been done with this year’s design if they had that same opportunity. Obviously there will be other playoff sets released this year, but the Champion’s collection is one that should be heralded for its cool concept and wonderful design.

Playoff Big Boosts

Although Mystery cards ended up being Manning and Lynch for the Super Bowl at 5x, we havent seen the programs yet for the 2014 Super Bowl. Im guessing something big is coming, as its clear that a progression of playoff cards is in place. Last year’s version did have the opportunity to use action shots, but the cool boost designs this year make up for it. I used the Fire because it is easily my favorite of all the different boosts. The Changeling Boost also has a sweet design, but no player yet, so I went with Brady.

Other Playoff Cards

I think it goes without saying that Huddle broke out the big guns for the playoffs, and I could not be happier at the way this worked out. Each card is cooler than the next, and it should be very apparent that the team turned Head Shot lemons into Huddle “hard lemonade.” They easily could have resigned themselves to a fate that is thrust upon them by licensing situations, and yet, here we are. I give them all the credit in the world because they really did an awesome job. Complain all you want about “This player doesnt score anymore!”, but its worth your time to open your eyes and see the fun that they have been able to manage.

You are missing out if you dont.

Okay, if you are like me, you are left scrambling to get more cards for the teams that are still left. Now that two teams with huge firepower in the game are out (Cowboys and Broncos), you are left with four teams that you might need to do some work on. Here are some players to target.

Andrew Luck – QB, INDY

The Colts are easily the one team that has so few cards in the game that you were left scratching your head as to what to do when they got on offense. Luck is a VITAL player to chase, as they dont have many players that will contribute on offense the way he will. Considering how many huge boosts exist of him, you need to get a few to be competitive.

Verdict: Vital Piece

TY Hilton – WR, INDY

As mentioned above, there just arent many pieces to the Colts that will score a ton of points. Hilton could get some big deep looks and some big gains, which means you need to pick up some of his cards. I think that he might be one of the more important guys because his team is so weak in Huddle on offense.

Verdict: Worth Picking Up

Tom Brady – QB, NEW ENGLAND

Even though he didnt play lights out really until the second half, Brady is one of those guys that can take command and take over a game. Because the running game is regularly non-existant, there needs to be a consideration to have more of his cards on your team.

Verdict: Vital Piece

Rob Gronkowski – TE, NEW ENGLAND

There is no one I expect more to have an enormous game coming up than Gronk. The Colts have guys that can play some great coverage on the WRs, which means Edelman may be at risk. They DO NOT have anyone that can cover Gronk. There might not be a team other than Seattle left that does.

Verdict: Vital Piece

Eddie Lacy – RB, GREEN BAY

The Packers do not have a great offensive line, all things considered. Running into Seattle’s defense is like running into a line of Police wearing riot gear. Its just not going to happen in a good way. Lacy may get his yards and maybe a score, but Green Bay is in some trouble with the way Rodgers is limited.

Verdict: ??????

Aaron Rodgers – QB, GREEN BAY

Lets face it, watching the Packers’ offense on Sunday was like watching a different team. Although they still played on a top level, Rodgers wasnt himself in the elements of his game that made him successful. From what reports are, Rodgers is hurting more now than he was previously, which means he could be further limited. Not a good sign going against a defense like the Seahawks possess. I would invest your time picking up more of Nelson and Cobb than Rodgers to be honest.

Verdict: Low Priority (Odd to even write that)

Russell Wilson – QB, SEATTLE

I fully expect the Seahawks to steamroll the Packers. That makes me happy as a Vikings fan. However, Russell Wilson needs to play well to advance. He has his ups and downs, but overall, there has been no more worthwhile investment so far in Huddle, if not only because he runs AND throws.

Verdict: Vital Piece

Marshawn Lynch – RB, SEATTLE

Even though his team rolled on Carolina, its more a result of everyone but the running game. That scares me a bit, even though the Panthers have a better defense than the Packers. Lynch looked off a beat this past weekend, and it might be due to illness. Hopefully he will return to form, which is the only reason I would suggest picking up more of him.

Verdict: Worth Picking Up

I am banking on a Patriots vs Seahawks Super Bowl, which features two teams that I dont really like all that much. I would love to see Luck get a shot, which could happen. You just never know what is going to happen in the Playoffs.

From the first day of Huddle, I have been waiting for this day. I knew that the weekly inserts were going to deliver some amazing chases over the year, and when the Marshawn Lynch sig hit packs I started opening and never looked back.

Over the course of the season, I collected 3 of the season master sets, and a number of the weekly set rewards as well. Yesterday was the payoff for all that work, and after seeing the results, its clear that TOPPSMARC and the team have been just as excited for this day as we are. They did such a tremendous job for each of the reward sets, and really deserve a lot of credit for the way these turned out.

Not only was the player selection quite impressive, but the added boosts of 10x and 15x for each level of card was just icing on the cake. We didnt chase these reward cards for the boost, we chased them for the thrill of opening packs and putting together sets. Seeing how that all came to fruition was wonderful, as many of the cards are playoff bound top scorers. Bottom line, next year, a lot of people are going to chase these sets as a result of yesterday, as well they should.

I think it was a cool idea to basically structure the player subjects according to the value of the set. The more valuable sets got the top guys, and the less valuable sets got guys that might not be on that level, but still very collectable. I think these turned out great, and I am happy with every one I got.

Here are my thoughts on the way everything turned out.

Signature Series Reward Season Master Set – Tom Brady

Count: 41
Playability: 
Cool Factor: Diamond Level

Huddle had a good idea for the season long sets – make them gold. Not just gold colored but resembling cards etched into gold. If you remember last year, they tried a similar thing with the Russell Wilson Super Bowl Halftime foil card, and it worked maybe 10% as well visiually. These cards are awesome, and will be some of the most coveted of the entire season. At 15x, this Brady all of a sudden becomes one of the more coveted cards to use in the playoffs as well.

Signature Series Reward Weeks 11-17 – Eddie Lacy

Count: 41
Playability: 
Cool Factor: Black Level

For the teams playing this weekend, the Packers might have their hands the most full with the Dallas Cowboys. Either way, Lacy has been playing like a Mack Truck as of late, unstoppable, which means this card has some major play factor. Either way, this was definitely a good sig to choose for the reward, as many of the other players were either already sigs, used for other reward cards or less cool.

Golden Moments Reward Season Master Set – Peyton Manning

Count: 68
Playability: 
Cool Factor: Diamond Level

I really liked the Golden Moments all year long. The set design worked for both head shots and action shots, and looked sweet in the process. Manning had a GM card during the season, but he is easily one of the more representative players of big moments during 2014 setting the record and such. I love this card, and was happy to see it as the season reward.

Golden Moments Reward Weeks 11-17 – Russell Wilson

Count: 87
Playability: 
Cool Factor: Diamond Level

I think its getting clear that it is hard to put together 19-20 moments to commemorate in this fashion all year. Im glad they saved Russell Wilson, because the card turned out really freaking awesome. At 10x, this becomes Wilson’s biggest boost, which will be very valuable come tomorrow. That being said, after going through the first four, it should be no surprise that the playoffs are all over the better set rewards.

Editor’s Choice Reward Season Master Set – Tony Romo

Count: 15
Playability: 
Cool Factor: Diamond Level

Because Lesean McCoy EC was such a rare card (released one day before the HS fiasco), this was a relatively impossible set to complete. Manning, the other EC from that day has less than 100 copies too, and most are on lockdown. Romo was a good choice for this card, as he is a popular player who scored a lot of points in his MVP caliber season.

Editor’s Choice Reward Weeks 11-17 – TY Hilton

Count: 89
Playability: 
Cool Factor: Gold Level

Of all the players in the playoffs, Hilton has the fewest boosts. He played a relatively good game last week, but the main attraction of this card is his season, which was very impressive. Hilton doesnt have the name recognition of some of the other guys in the reward sets, which is why I gave him a lower rating, but that could all change this weekend.

Monday Night Series Reward Season Master Set – Jamaal Charles

Count: 51
Playability: N/A
Cool Factor: Black Level

A lot of people chase Jamaal Charles because he is so exciting of a player. Charles is a big reason why the Chiefs got as far as they did, but not being in the playoffs was a big disappointment for Kansas City fans that saw them with a top seed last year. From a collectability standpoint, this is a really nice reward.

Monday Night Series Reward Weeks 11-17 – DeAndre Hopkins

Count: 94
Playability: N/A
Cool Factor: Free to Play Level

To be honest, this was kind of a bummer to see Hopkins as the choice, as he doesnt have the team collectors or the name recognition. Although he played well during the season, there just arent that many people that are going to try to chase down this type of thing. I would have probably gone with someone like Drew Brees or Matt Forte.

Player of the Week Reward Season Master Set – Marshawn Lynch

Count: 20
Playability: 
Cool Factor: Diamond Level

What a cool card. Seriously one of the better ones given out. The funny thing is that Marshawn Lynch was already the first of the reward cards for POTW, which makes this relatively full circle. I doubt anyone is complaining either. He is going to have his hands full with the Panthers this week, but I dont think there is an analyst on the planet that doesnt expect him to run beast mode all over the place.

Player of the Week Reward Weeks 11-17 – Mike Evans

Count: 64
Playability: N/A
Cool Factor: Gold Level

I am a huge fan of Mike Evans, huge fan. I would have been really happy to get this card, and I think he almost deserves as much consideration as Beckham for ROY. That being said, he is still an up and coming guy in terms of name recognition. Still cool.

Fan’s Choice Reward Season Master Set – Odell Beckham

Count: 78
Playability: N/A
Cool Factor: Black Level

If you arent a fan of the spectacular catches he makes, you must either be an Eagles fan, or someone that hasnt seen him play. Beckham embodies exactly what the fan’s choice set is all about, as he was easily one of the most chase worthy rookies this year. Everyone wanted a piece, including a recent fan of the week. That is the only drawback, but im sure this card was in production before they chose their card.

Fan’s Choice Reward Weeks 11-17 – Cam Newton

Count: 108
Playability: 
Cool Factor: Black Level

We are all shocked the Panthers have made it this far as a 7-9 team. Newton started off playing on a pretty low standard, but really picked it up coming down the stretch. We can all agree that probably ends this week, but it was fun while it lasted. Newton is a popular player which makes him perfect for this reward.

Rising Star Reward Season Master Set – Le’veon Bell

Count: 47
Playability: N/A
Cool Factor: Black Level

I said before that Bell had a great season as one of the more consistent backs. Like Antonio Brown and Ben Roethlisberger, Bell and the Pittsburgh offense was usually pretty fun to watch. Even though he didnt play last week, and they were eliminated, this is a really cool card.

Rising Star Reward Weeks 11-17 – Jeremy Hill

Count: 123
Playability: N/A
Cool Factor: Gold Level

Of all the rookies this year that werent on my Vikings, I really liked watching Jeremy Hill’s power running style. I am someone who is always drawn to the big bruising running backs, and he is right there with the best this year. Already a finalist for ROY that will likely go to Beckham, he deserves some major consideration.

Again, this has been a tremendous season all around. I had more fun than I ever could have imagined, and having these cards as a payoff was really cool.