The NFL playoffs are a time when stars in the NFL become superstars, and collectors will be closely watching. Below are some cards that could see a quick rise if the players make a deep playoff run.

Justin Herbert 2020 Panini Prizm Rookie Card 

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Justin Herbert has been knocking on the door to superstardom for years now. The Los Angeles Charger is coming off an excellent year that saw him throw for 4,700 yards and 25 touchdowns. Herbert can take the next step towards becoming one of the NFL's best with a deep playoff this year. The Chargers are set to take on the Jaguars in the first round.

Herbert has several different rookie cards from the 2020 season, but the most popular among collectors has been the Panini Prizm base card. Collectors can get their hands on a PSA 10 for around $200 or a PSA 9 for $125.

Geno Smith 2013 Topps Chrome Refractor 

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One of the best stories of the 2022 NFL season was the emergence of Geno Smith. After playing his first few years with the Jets, he spent nearly a decade as a backup for a few different teams. When the Seahawks traded Russell Wilson in the offseason, they made Smith their starter. He has responded with an MVP-level season and will be a highly sought-after free agent in the Spring.

Smith's best rookie card came in the 2013 Topps Chrome Set, which features a number of refractor parallels. His base refractor in the set runs for around $100-$150 in a PSA 10. And if he goes on a miracle run, it could go for much more.

Justin Jefferson 2020 Panini Prizm

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Justin Jefferson was a member of the famous 2019 LSU team that swept through college football. That team included pro bowlers like Joe Burrow and Jamarr Chase, but Jefferson has emerged as the best player from the group. In his first three years in the NFL, the Minnesota Viking has racked up 324 catches and scored 26 touchdowns.

The playoffs will allow Jefferson to appear on a national stage where more eyes will be on him. This could potentially drive up the price of his Panini Prizm rookie cards. A PSA 10 of the issue currently sells for $100 and up, depending on the parallel.

Tom Brady 2000 Bowman 

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an underwhelming season, only winning 8 of their 17 games. Thanks to a terrible division, though, they were able to sneak into the NFL playoffs. That means that Tom Brady has yet another opportunity to capture another Super Bowl.

If you've ever wanted to go all in and grab one of the superstar quarterback's rookie cards, now might be a good chance to do so. Brady's best rookie card, his Bowman Chrome issue, is probably a bit too expensive for most collectors. But the Bowman 'paper' issue can still be had at a reasonable cost. PSA 9s sell for about $1.800, and PSA 8s go for a little over $1,000.

Travis Kelce 2013 Topps Chrome 

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To the surprise of no one, the Chiefs are back in the playoffs and primed for a big run. Kansas City traded Tyreek Hill in the offseason, but the offense didn't miss a beat thanks to the continued dominance of Travis Kelce. The tight end had another massive season going for 1,338 yards and 12 touchdowns.

The future hall of famer's best rookie card comes from the 2013 Topps Chrome series and is doing a brisk trade on eBay. A PSA copy of the card can be had for $80 or so, and a PSA 10 will run you $200.

*Any perceived investment advice is that of the freelance blogger and does not represent advice on behalf of GoCollect.