2025’s NFL Hot List: Who’s Surging in Both Sportsbooks and Sports Cards

The new NFL season is still on the horizon, yet bettors and collectors are already sizing up the field. Odds for MVP and rookie honors are shifting as sportsbooks react to training camp buzz, while fresh card releases are moving across hobby platforms. 

 

When a player’s betting line shortens, his rookie autos and parallels often see more bids, and a spike in card prices can hint that fans expect a breakout. With so much crossover between wagering and collecting in 2025, which NFL players are catching heat in both arenas?

Patrick Mahomes

Patrick Mahomes is already a two‑time league MVP and the face of the NFL’s most dominant team. Over the past two seasons, he has engineered back‑to‑back championships and has shown little sign of slowing down. 

 

Sportsbooks still make him the favourite to capture another MVP award, with odds around +475 to +500, because bettors expect him to keep the Chiefs at the top of the standings. Anyone tracking NFL odds on FanDuel will see Mahomes’ name near the top of every futures board.

 

This confidence spills into the hobby. Analysts note that Kansas City’s pursuit of a third straight Super Bowl win increases demand for Mahomes cards, and collectors point out that low‑numbered parallels of veterans like Mahomes can command strong prices. High‑grade copies of his 2017 rookie cards already trade for four figures, yet collectors see room for appreciation if he extends his dynasty. 

 

For investors, Mahomes offers a rare mix of on‑field excellence and market stability that few modern players can match.

Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts has evolved from a promising project into one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks. In 2024, he threw 18 touchdown passes and added 14 rushing scores, powering the Eagles deep into the postseason. He opens the new season as a dark horse MVP candidate at about +1,400 and should benefit from an improved supporting cast. 

 

Despite his production, his graded rookie cards have been selling for much less than those of his peers; one Optic Holo rookie recently traded for roughly $180 while similar cards of Patrick Mahomes reach around $3,000. 

 

This pricing gap suggests there may be upside for collectors if Hurts continues to improve and the Eagles contend for a title. With his ability to attack defenses through the air and on the ground and a team built to win now, Hurts offers bettors and hobbyists a blend of proven production and room to grow.

Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley’s move to Philadelphia transformed both his career and the Eagles’ offense. With an improved offensive line and creative play‑calling, he paced the league in rushing yards in 2024 and even entered the MVP conversation. 

 

He also remained a threat out of the backfield, keeping defenses off balance and taking pressure off quarterback Jalen Hurts. Sportsbooks price him at roughly +2,500 in the Offensive Player of the Year market, a long shot given that running backs seldom win major awards. However, his explosive performances for a contending team ensure he remains in bettors’ discussions. 

 

Among collectors, Barkley’s resurgence has rekindled the belief that elite running backs can still produce meaningful returns. Hobby analysts highlight him as a prime example of a non‑quarterback whose cards can appreciate when performance and team success align.

Josh Allen

Josh Allen is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. He regularly throws for over 4,000 yards and adds to that with rushing touchdowns, making him an actual dual threat. His ability to make plays on the fly and take deep shots keeps Buffalo’s offense exciting. The Bills have built their team around him, giving him more weapons and better protection, intending to reach the Super Bowl finally.

 

From a betting standpoint, Allen is firmly in the MVP conversation. Futures markets price him in the +850 to +900 range for the award, reflecting the expectation that Buffalo will be a playoff team and that Allen’s dual‑threat production will keep him on voters’ radar. 

 

Beyond season‑long futures, bettors can also wager on individual player prop bets. These props set over‑under lines on passing yards, rushing yards, or touchdown totals in a single game. Because Allen is a threat to put up big numbers in all three categories, he frequently appears in prop markets. Fans who want to see where those numbers sit can check FanDuel’s Top NFL Game Props, which also offers up‑to‑date NFL news, live scores, and player statistics to support informed decisions.

 

Collectors also view Allen as a high‑ceiling play. Reports on upcoming releases point out that low‑numbered parallels of established veterans like Allen can command strong prices, and his rookie cards have remained popular since he entered the league. 

 

Investors appreciate his highlight potential and the possibility that a deep postseason run could lift all of his cards. If he ultimately delivers Buffalo’s first Super Bowl victory, his market could shift from steady demand to a true surge, rewarding those who held on through the ups and downs.

Final Thoughts

Heading into 2025, familiar faces still drive the action. Mahomes, Hurts, Barkley, Kelce, and Allen sit near the top of award odds. Their cards attract collectors who trust their talent and track records. What they do on the field will shape both betting lines and card prices. If you are following these markets, pay attention to how these veterans start the year. A strong or slow start can move the numbers quickly.