Is Joe Burrow Worth the Risk? Buy, Sell, Hold

Coming off a major knee injury that limited his rookie season to just 10 games, Joe Burrow is hoping to stay healthy in 2021 while living up to that No. 1 pick status. Is Burrow a buy even if he’s healthy, though?

We cover that and more community submissions in this week’s Forecast:

Luis Robert

One of Chicago’s young stars, Robert returned to the lineup this August after missing major time with a hip flexor injury. He’s been fantastic at the plate in limited at-bats, and remains one of the hobby’s favorite young players.

Along with his Bowman, Robert’s 2020 Topps Base has been a favorite target for collectors. Robert’s 2020 Topps Base PSA 10 is up 70% over the last 30 days while his 2020 Topps Chrome Base PSA 10 is up 7% over the same period.

Geoff’s pick: Buy

Karl-Anthony Towns

Towns is clearly one of the most talented and versatile bigs in the NBA, but his passing, rebounding and scoring haven’t translated into many wins for a poor Minnesota Timberwolves roster.

The T-Wolves added star Anthony Edwards with the No. 1 pick last year, but there’s still rumors Towns could want to move to a contender sooner rather than later. If that happens, Towns could see a spike in card prices as he takes last year’s 25 and 10 averages to a playoff team.

Towns’ 2015 Prizm Base PSA 10 is up 44% over the last 60 days while his 2015 Select Concourse PSA 10 is up 22% over the same period.

Geoff’s pick: Hold

Aaron Rodgers

The Green Bay Packers star QB likely spent more time practicing to host Jeopardy this offseason than playing football as his long-term future remains uncertain. Rodgers reported to training camp after a long holdout — some collectors hopped onto Jordan Love’s cards just in case — and he appears ready to start in Week 1.

How much longer Rodgers is motivated to play is a major concern short-term, though his reputation in the hobby seems mostly established. Rodgers’ 2005 Topps Base PSA 10 is up 8% over the last 30 days while his 2005 Topps Chrome Base PSA 10 is up 17% over the same period.

Geoff’s pick: Buy

Joe Burrow

An injury-shortened season left many fans wanting more out of 2020’s No. 1 pick, but Burrow seems poised to play in Week 1. Burrow played in just 10 games because of that major knee injury, and still managed to pass for nearly 2,700 yards and 13 TDs for a bad Bengals roster.

Along with Justin Herbert, Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, Burrow has helped make the 2020 QB class one of the most popular buys among football collectors, and where he stands among the other three at the start of the season will be interesting.

Burrow’s 2020 Prizm Base PSA 10 is down 16% over the last 30 days while his 2020 Donruss Base PSA 10 is down 6% over the same period.

Geoff’s pick: Hold

Kylian Mbappe

Many believe soccer has the most room for growth within the hobby, and stars like Mbappe are a major reason why. The PSG forward has been a popular — and expensive — purchase in recent months, and things could get even better for his card market if a rumored transfer to Real Madrid comes through.

Even without a transfer, Mbappe can move freely to Madrid or Man United when his contract expires this summer, causing some to be even more bullish on one of soccer’s brightest young players.

Mbappe’s 2017 Topps Chrome Champions League Base PSA 10 is up 5% over the last 30 days.

Geoff’s pick: Buy