For some reason, this week eTopps has decided to mess with my emotions and put out IPO's of a bunch of guys who I really like. This is actually the first week in a while where I may have to pick and choose what I can afford to buy, as the selection looks solid. I think a big clue that says this week is for real, is that you don't see any of the $4/short print variety. I guess the holiday season is upon us and who better to get gifts for than…yourself?

Chad Pennington Jerseys Memorabilia Posters

Chad Pennington (3,000 @ $6.50)

A few years back I was saying in Jets' preseason that Testaverde should be the starting QB over the guy at the time, Glenn Foley. Sure enough, Testaverde ended up the starter a few games into the season and led the Jets to the playoffs. However, Testaverde's time to shine left as quickly as it came and as a result Chad Pennington was drafted out of Marshall University. This past preseason, I found myself saying once again, the starter going into the season should not be the man. Once more, the guy competing with the starter found himself in the driver's seat during the season. Unfortunately, by the time Pennington took over, the Jets were already in a large hole thanks to Testaverde. Despite the disappointing Jets season, they did have one bright spot in the spectacular play of Chad Pennington. With the best quarterback rating in the AFC, Pennington has proven to be an intelligent, poised young quarterback and looks to have a bright future. I am buying this card and yes, I am a Jets fan (yet, I swear I am writing from an unbiased point of view!).

Daunte Culpepper (2,000 @ $6.50)

Perhaps Culpepper's lackluster season has resulted in a short print run for his 2k2 IPO. However, I have a feeling this one could end up being a bargain. Culpepper has had a rough year, along with the Vikes. But, after this past Sunday, one has to think they have some life left in them and may even cause some to worry about them coming into next season. Culpepper scored the winning two-point conversion this past Sunday to beat the first place New Orleans Saints. What did they have to lose by trying the conversion? If they didn't convert, they would likely lose and ensure a higher draft pick and if they did convert, they would show Minnesota fans that they do, in fact, have heart by beating one of the NFL's best teams. This issue could be a sleeper.

Donald Driver (3,000 @ $6.50)

Driver is guy you probably wouldn't know unless you were a Green Bay Packers fan or a fantasy football participant. But if you have seen this guy play you know he is the real deal. Put that together with a Hall of Fame quarterback, in Brett Favre, throwing to you and you have a nice combination. I have liked Driver for a while but, after seeing a pre-game show depicting his life, I have even more respect for him. To say Driver came from poor, humble beginnings is a great understatement. He is a man who has come from living without electricity to electrifying the NFL. Driver is one of those rarities in professional sports that actually appreciates all that he has and really doesn't forget where he came from. After receiving a new contract during this season Driver has even more to be grateful for. He may not be widely known yet, but he will be soon enough.

Brian Urlacher Jerseys Memorabilia Posters

Brian Urlacher (2,000 @ $6.50)

Okay, so defensive players' cards don't seem to have the demand that offensive players do. However, Urlacher could be the exception. This linebacking stud out of New Mexico is the epitome of what it means to have a "motor that doesn't quit". Urlacher has the ability to run down even the speediest running backs and has hands as good as any tight end's. The Bears' defense has been built around this guy and should be solid for many years as a result. At $6.50, given his talent and short print run, consider this issue a steal.

Marty Booker (3,000 @ $6.50)

Booker is similar to Driver, in that he is not so widely known. But DirectTV has allowed me to check out this Bears receiver and I have come to this conclusion… he is good. I have been watching this guy for about three years now and he just seems to get better and better despite the fact that he does not have a great QB throwing to him (whichever one it may be). Booker seems to do it all - he can catch, run and even pass. He is a great possession receiver and can also be a deep threat. At 5'11", Booker is not a tall receiver, but you wouldn't know that by watching him play.

Randy McMichael (3,000 @ $6.50)

McMichael has looked solid during the first half of the season, while injuries have hampered his second half. I can't say too much about this guy except that when he has played, he has looked really good. Perhaps this guy will be a fantasy sleeper coming into next year. Being his first issue, this could be a good card to own.

Classics: Barry Sanders (3,000 @ $12.50)

I am not really into the Classics, however growing up playing football in the late eighties and early nineties, I could not help but be a big fan of Barry Sanders. Although he retired way before his time, I still have to admire this guy. The moves this man would make on the football field defied physiology and have yet to be duplicated by even the best running backs today. With the recent record-breaking performance of Emmitt Smith, the topic of "best running back ever" has been rekindled. Sanders' name is always mentioned, however many of the "numbers hungry" fans would hardly compare him to Smith. But even Smith will admit that Sanders would have broken many of the records he owns a while ago. This is one Classic I would like to own.

Classics: Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (3,000 @ $12.50)

I am not really a football historian, however it's rare when I have never heard of someone at all. Sorry Elroy, but I never heard of you. But with a nickname like that, I am sure I missed something Classic. Hirsch was a wide receiver who played for the Rams from 1949-1957. His best season was in 1951, when the Rams won the Super Bowl. Besides that, I am not sure why Hirsch has a Classic card (no offense, Elroy). I welcome any feedback from anyone who knows more about this guy. That means you too, Elroy!