Buzz Break: 2018 Panini Playoff football cards (hanger box)

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The box: 2018 Panini Playoff football cards (hanger box)
First Buzz preview: Click here
Where to buy: BlowoutCards.com (for hobby)

Packs per box: 1
Cards per pack: 60
Base set completion: 42 of 200 (21 percent)
Duplicates: 0

Notables on base cards: Dak Prescott, Matthew Stafford, Todd Gurley, Julian Edelman, Jimmy Garoppolo, Kenyan Drake, Jameis Winston

Insert & short-prints: 18 (all in gallery below)
Rookie Cards (Nos. 201-300) (6) – Armani Watts, Kerryon Johnson, Isaiah Oliver, Jaleel Scott, Javon Wims, Derrius Guice
Kickoff parallels (4) – Aaron Rodgers, Keenan Allen, Derek Carr, Keelan Cole
Kickoff Rookie Card parallels (2) – Ian Thomas, Rasheem Green
Air Command (2) – Russell Wilson, Kirk Cousins
Rookie Wave (1) – Michael Gallup
Thunder & Lightning (2) – Derek Henry & Delanie Walker, Golden Tate III & Marvin Jones Jr.
Hidden Gems (1) – Julian Edelman

Autographs/Memorabilia: None

What's Buzz-worthy: Can't stop, won't stop with these from the bargain bin ... mostly because of the Rookie Cards and I like the meaty feel here with these packs and a colorful but orderly design that showcases strong photos. This box was lighter on big-name rookies than some of my few past breaks that have included Lamar Jackson and Baker Mayfield, but the Rodgers parallel card here is a solid one with that photo that helps it avoid an average mark (but not by much) since it was a clearance-bin buy. ... With no guaranteed hits in blasters, these hanger boxes might be a decent and slightly cheaper alternative as they can deliver well if the names you hope for pop up. (It worked for me with 2017 Donruss and all of its key rookies.) Most basics here are not pricey -- but their availability should make these one people consider over time and for grading of key RCs ... which seems to be a trend of late. The design of this one is quite strong but there are a few touches that might draw your attention away from the card's subject -- mostly the bottom bar's texture that appears on most cards but is missing on some colors. It seems like that was a mistake, and, while I'm good with the texture being there, it can make you think you got a damaged card or could mask slight nicks, too. All in all, I do like this one but it's one where I should have gone with a premium or hobby box back when it was new.

Product Grade: B+
Box Grade: B- (closer to average this time)
Fun Grade: B

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