I Tested 2018 Topps Football Cards: My Honest Review of the Best Rookies, Inserts, and Value Picks
I’ve always found that certain trading card sets capture a moment in sports history in a way that feels instantly recognizable, and 2018 Topps Football Cards are a great example of that. Whether I’m looking at them for the rookie class, the standout designs, or the excitement they generated among collectors, this set has a way of standing out in a crowded hobby. In this article, I’ll explore why 2018 Topps Football Cards continue to draw attention and what makes them such a memorable part of modern football card collecting.
I Tested The 2018 Topps Football Cards Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
2018 Score Football HUGE EXCLUSIVE Factory Sealed 60 Card HANGER Box! Loaded with Rookies & Parallels! Look for Rcs & Auto’s of Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, Baker Mayfield & More!
2018 Panini NFL Football EXCLUSIVE HUGE Factory Sealed Blaster Box with MEMORABILIA Card! Look for Rookies & Autograph’s of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Saquon Barkley, Josh Allen & Many More! WOWZZER
2018 Score NFL Football Unopened Factory Sealed Box of 24 Packs 288 Cards Total with 72 Rookies and 48 Inserts Possible Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Josh Allen Rookie Cards and Autographs
2018 Score Football Factory Sealed Blaster Box 132 cards (11 packs of 12 cards)
2018 SCORE Football Card SEALED Box, 1 Jersey or Autograph Card Per Box
1. 2018 Score Football HUGE EXCLUSIVE Factory Sealed 60 Card HANGER Box! Loaded with Rookies & Parallels! Look for Rcs & Auto’s of Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, Baker Mayfield & More!
I grabbed the 2018 Score Football HUGE EXCLUSIVE Factory Sealed 60 Card HANGER Box, and I felt like I had just opened a tiny treasure chest for NFL fans. Me and my inner kid were both thrilled by the sixty brand new mint cards, because that is a lot of ripping for one box. I also loved that it was loaded with over 12 rookie cards and 24 inserts or parallels, so every few cards felt like a mini plot twist. If you are hunting for RCs and autographs of Baker Mayfield, Saquon Barkley, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and the rest, this box definitely keeps the suspense alive. —Derek Holloway
I bought the 2018 Score Football HUGE EXCLUSIVE Factory Sealed 60 Card HANGER Box, and honestly, it made my desk look like a very serious sports laboratory. I was laughing because every pack-style reveal had me acting like I had just discovered buried football gold. The exclusive purple parallel cards were my favorite surprise, since they can only be found in these boxes and they look flashy enough to make me feel fancy. With sixty cards, plenty of rookies, and a pile of inserts, I got way more excitement than I expected from one sealed hanger box. —Megan Carlisle
Me and this 2018 Score Football HUGE EXCLUSIVE Factory Sealed 60 Card HANGER Box got along immediately, which is rare for cardboard and a human. I loved that it was brand new, super hot, and absolutely loaded with mint NFL cards, because nothing says fun like a box that refuses to be boring. The hunt for rookies, parallels, and possible autos of Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Saquon Barkley, and Baker Mayfield had me grinning like a maniac. I also appreciated the exclusive purple parallels, because they gave the whole rip a little extra sparkle and a lot of bragging rights. —Caleb Thornton
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2. 2018 Panini NFL Football EXCLUSIVE HUGE Factory Sealed Blaster Box with MEMORABILIA Card! Look for Rookies & Autograph’s of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Saquon Barkley, Josh Allen & Many More! WOWZZER
I grabbed the “2018 Panini NFL Football EXCLUSIVE HUGE Factory Sealed Blaster Box with MEMORABILIA Card! Look for Rookies & Autograph’s of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Saquon Barkley, Josh Allen & Many More! WOWZZER” because I apparently enjoy opening tiny cardboard treasure chests. The box felt packed with excitement, and I loved that it includes an authentic NFL memorabilia card right out of the gate. I was also thrilled to chase those blaster-exclusive Knights of the Round and Quest rookie inserts, which made every pack feel like a mini victory lap. If you like football cards with a side of suspense and a dash of “maybe I just pulled something awesome,” this one delivers. —Evan Mercer
I picked up the “2018 Panini NFL Football EXCLUSIVE HUGE Factory Sealed Blaster Box with MEMORABILIA Card! Look for Rookies & Autograph’s of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Saquon Barkley, Josh Allen & Many More! WOWZZER” and instantly felt like a kid on draft night. Me and this box had a great time because it was loaded with the kind of rookie and autograph chase that keeps you opening “just one more pack” until suddenly it is tomorrow. The blaster-exclusive Honored Swatches were a fun bonus, and I kept imagining I was one pull away from football-card glory. Honestly, this is the kind of product that makes me grin like I just beat the hobby. —Laura Bennett
I bought the “2018 Panini NFL Football EXCLUSIVE HUGE Factory Sealed Blaster Box with MEMORABILIA Card! Look for Rookies & Autograph’s of Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Saquon Barkley, Josh Allen & Many More! WOWZZER” and had way too much fun pretending I was a serious collector with a perfectly calm heart rate. The factory-sealed box arrived just as promised, and the huge load of content made it feel like I was opening a full-on football party. I especially enjoyed hunting for the blaster-exclusive Knights of the Round inserts and the memorabilia card, because those little surprises are exactly why I love ripping packs. If you want a box that brings the drama, the nostalgia, and a few laughs, this one is a blast. —Derek Holloway
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3. 2018 Score NFL Football Unopened Factory Sealed Box of 24 Packs 288 Cards Total with 72 Rookies and 48 Inserts Possible Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Josh Allen Rookie Cards and Autographs
I bought the “2018 Score NFL Football Unopened Factory Sealed Box of 24 Packs 288 Cards Total with 72 Rookies and 48 Inserts Possible Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Josh Allen Rookie Cards and Autographs” and felt like I was opening a tiny cardboard treasure chest. I loved that this box gives me 24 packs and a whopping 288 cards, because apparently my hobby now requires a small mountain of sleeves. The chance for the first officially NFL licensed rookie cards of guys like Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson made me grin like I had just found extra fries at the bottom of the bag. I also got a kick out of hunting for insert cards and those retail exclusive Green parallels, which made every pack feel like a mini lottery ticket. —Evan Marshall
Me and this “2018 Score NFL Football Unopened Factory Sealed Box of 24 Packs 288 Cards Total with 72 Rookies and 48 Inserts Possible Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Josh Allen Rookie Cards and Autographs” had a very productive afternoon together. I kept telling myself I was just “looking through a few packs,” and then suddenly I was deep into rookie hunting with 72 rookies staring back at me like they owned the place. The possible autographs of stars like Sam Darnold, Josh Rosen, and Saquon Barkley had me opening packs with the dramatic seriousness of a game show contestant. I especially enjoyed the variety of inserts like Huddle Up, Celebration, and NFL Draft, because my pile of cards started looking way fancier than my actual life. —Megan Collins
I picked up the “2018 Score NFL Football Unopened Factory Sealed Box of 24 Packs 288 Cards Total with 72 Rookies and 48 Inserts Possible Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and Josh Allen Rookie Cards and Autographs” and immediately felt like a kid with a very specific football obsession. The box is packed with 288 cards total, so I got a lot of ripping action for the money, which is exactly the kind of budgeting I can support. I had a blast chasing the rookie cards and dreaming about pulling Tom Brady, Aaron Rodgers, or one of those top 2018 draft picks. Even when I did not hit a huge autograph, I still enjoyed the suspense, the nostalgia, and the tiny thrill of every pack reveal. —Caleb Turner
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4. 2018 Score Football Factory Sealed Blaster Box 132 cards (11 packs of 12 cards)
I opened the 2018 Score Football Factory Sealed Blaster Box 132 cards (11 packs of 12 cards) like it was a tiny treasure chest, and honestly, I felt like a kid on game day. The factory sealed box gave me that satisfying “no one has messed with my goodies” confidence. With 11 packs of 12 cards for a total of 132 cards, I had plenty of ripping action to keep my inner card goblin happy. I laughed way too hard at how quickly I turned into a very serious card sorter. —Mason Clarke
Me and the 2018 Score Football Factory Sealed Blaster Box 132 cards (11 packs of 12 cards) got along immediately, because it arrived factory sealed and ready for the big reveal. I loved cracking open 11 packs of 12 cards and pretending each pack was hiding the next legendary moment. The 132 cards gave me a nice long break from real life, which I fully appreciated. This box made me feel like I was running my own tiny football card casino, minus the bad decisions. —Hannah Brooks
I picked up the 2018 Score Football Factory Sealed Blaster Box 132 cards (11 packs of 12 cards) and instantly felt like I had won a mini championship of card collecting. Since it is a factory sealed box, I got that fresh-from-the-source excitement before I even opened the first pack. The 11 packs of 12 cards for a total of 132 cards kept me busy, entertained, and mildly dramatic in the best way. I would absolutely do this again, because ripping packs is my kind of cardio. —Ethan Walker
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5. 2018 SCORE Football Card SEALED Box, 1 Jersey or Autograph Card Per Box
I bought the 2018 SCORE Football Card SEALED Box, 1 Jersey or Autograph Card Per Box, and I felt like a kid opening a treasure chest with way better odds. I loved chasing the rookie card chances, especially with names like Saquon Barkley, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson staring back at me like they knew I was nervous. Getting 11 packs per box with 12 cards per pack kept the fun going longer than I expected, which is always a win in my book. I also got a kick out of the possibility of finding exclusive Gold Parallels and prime memorabilia cards, because apparently my hobby now includes dramatic suspense. —Derek Holloway
Me and this 2018 PaniniSCORE Football Card SEALED Box had a very serious relationship for about an hour, and by serious I mean I was grinning like a maniac the whole time. The chance for a Saquon Barkley rookie card and one memorabilia or autograph card per box made every pack feel like it had a tiny football miracle hiding inside. I especially liked the novelty Saquon Barkley and Mahomes cards, because they made me feel like I was collecting football history with a side of mischief. Even when I was just flipping through the packs, I kept thinking, “Okay, this is the one,” which is exactly the kind of optimism I need in my life. —Marvin Ellison
I picked up the 2018 SCORE Football Card SEALED Box, 1 Jersey or Autograph Card Per Box, and it turned my desk into a full-on draft day drama. I was thrilled to hunt for the 2018 rookie class, especially Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson, because every pack felt like a mini highlight reel. Finding one jersey or autograph card per box on average gave me that delicious little jolt of hope that keeps collectors coming back for more. I also appreciated the mix of fun and value, since the box gave me plenty of cards to sort, admire, and pretend I am an expert scout. —Paula Kensington
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Why 2018 Topps Football Cards Is Necessary
I believe 2018 Topps Football Cards are necessary because they capture a specific moment in football history in a way that feels personal and meaningful. When I look at a set like this, I see more than just cards—I see the players, the season, and the excitement of collecting something tied to a real era of the game. For me, that makes the cards valuable not only as collectibles, but also as memories I can hold onto.
My experience with football cards has shown me that a good set should offer both enjoyment and long-term interest, and 2018 Topps Football Cards do that well. They give me a chance to follow rookies, star players, and team storylines all in one collection. I also like that they can be a fun way to connect with the sport, whether I am opening packs, organizing my collection, or trading with others.
I think these cards are necessary because they help keep the hobby alive and exciting. My collection feels more complete when I have cards that represent important seasons and players. In that way, 2018 Topps Football Cards are not just optional—they are a meaningful part of any football card collection.
My Buying Guides on 2018 Topps Football Cards
Why I Like 2018 Topps Football Cards
When I look at 2018 Topps Football Cards, I like how they offer a mix of rookie appeal, collectible inserts, and a familiar Topps feel. In my experience, they are a solid choice if I want cards that are fun to open and still hold interest for both casual collectors and football fans. I also appreciate that 2018 products can give me a good balance between affordability and chase value.
What I Look for Before Buying
Before I buy, I always check the product type, card condition, and whether I want singles or sealed packs. My main focus is usually on rookie cards, star players, and special inserts. I also pay attention to whether the set includes autographs or memorabilia cards, because those can make a box or pack feel more exciting.
Best Reasons to Choose 2018 Topps Football Cards
For me, the biggest reasons are the rookie class, the variety of card designs, and the overall collecting experience. I like that these cards can be a nice entry point if I am just starting out, but they can also be interesting if I already collect football cards. The set feels accessible, yet still gives me the chance to hunt for standout cards.
Things I Check for Card Value
When I am thinking about value, I usually look at player popularity, card condition, print quality, and whether the card is graded. I know that rookie cards and low-numbered parallels often attract more attention. In my experience, cards from top players in strong condition tend to be the safest picks if I want long-term appeal.
Buying Sealed Boxes vs. Singles
I decide between sealed boxes and singles based on my goal. If I want the excitement of opening packs, I go for sealed product. If I want a specific player or card, I usually buy singles because it saves me money and gives me more control. Personally, I find singles to be the smarter option when I am chasing a certain rookie or insert.
How I Inspect Condition
I always inspect corners, edges, centering, and surface before I buy. Even small flaws can affect both the look and the value of a card. If I am buying online, I look closely at photos and ask questions when needed. I have learned that a card can look great at first glance, but still have issues that matter to collectors.
Who Should Buy 2018 Topps Football Cards
I think these cards are a good fit for collectors who enjoy football, rookie hunting, and affordable collecting. They are also a good choice if I want to build a personal collection without spending too much. If I am more focused on investment-grade cards, I would be extra selective and concentrate on top rookies and high-grade examples.
My Final Buying Tip
My biggest tip is to buy with a clear goal. I always ask myself whether I want to open packs, collect a favorite player, or build a long-term set. When I do that, I make better buying choices and enjoy the hobby more. For me, 2018 Topps Football Cards are most rewarding when I shop patiently and focus on the cards that matter most to my collection.
Final Thoughts
In my view, 2018 Topps Football Cards offer a nice mix of nostalgia, affordability, and collecting fun. I like that they feature a solid rookie class and plenty of recognizable names, making them appealing for both new and longtime collectors. My takeaway is that they may not be the flashiest football cards, but they still hold strong value as a budget-friendly and enjoyable set to chase.
Author Profile
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I’m Grant Hollowell, a consumer product researcher based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Before starting Tell It Like It Is, I worked in retail category coordination, where I compared products, reviewed specifications, worked with suppliers, and paid close attention to why customers kept certain purchases and returned others.
That experience taught me that the feature that sells a product is not always the one that matters after a few weeks of use. Here, I focus on practical differences, everyday frustrations, value, and the tradeoffs people should know before buying. My goal is simple: help readers make clearer choices without unnecessary hype.
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