The SCN Challenge

Brendan Darr
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Fantasy Sports
  • Weekly

Hosted by Chris Thomas, Ataboy Cards brought 10 creators and card collectors together to mix fantasy football with card collecting. Each collector drafts 5 modern player cards, plus 1 legend card. We track whose portfolio is up the most through the Super Bowl. Taking cues from fantasy football, we'll have waivers each week. Follow along to see who wins The SCN Challenge!

Episodes

  1. 4d ago

    Are QB Cards the Only Smart Way To Spend Your Money? | Jesse Gibson | SCN Challenge Ep. 8

    Are quarterback cards the only way to win—or can non-QB cards keep up? Jesse Gibson of Hobby Nonsense joins Joe Bartel and Chris Thomas to debate QB cards vs. non-QB cards, break down his SCN Challenge strategy, and explain the thinking behind his Mac Jones bet. Plus, we compare Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, revisit Chris’s J.J. McCarthy call, and test wide-receiver card prices in Higher or Lower. Jesse also drafts his five non-sport characters, before Joe and Chris close with Superfractor Takes on Aaron Rodgers and McCarthy. Follow the standings and portfolios: https://scnchallenge.com/ Presented by PSA and Card Ladder. Subscribe for more SCN Challenge episodes from Sports Cards Nonsense. CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold open 00:16 Welcome to the SCN Challenge 03:44 Caleb Williams vs. Drake Maye 11:54 J.J. McCarthy heats up 16:32 Jesse Gibson joins the show 28:34 QB cards vs. non-QB cards 31:15 Jesse’s Mac Jones strategy 38:00 Jesse’s non-sport character draft 53:06 Coordinator Chris: Jets vs. Browns 57:17 Is Jaxon Smith-Njigba overlooked? 58:42 Higher or Lower: receiver card prices 1:02:50 Superfractor Takes: Rodgers and McCarthy 1:07:29 Wrap-up and next week Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe https://scnchallenge.com/ https://linktr.ee/SportsCardsNonsense?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5764ed98-4893-4eae-bf91-0bd89949ed99

  2. Oct 23

    Why This Peyton Manning Rookie Is Up 260% | SCN Challenge Ep. 7

    Jason Otero’s Peyton Manning Metal Universe rookie is up 260% in the SCN Challenge. He started buying it because of Michael Jordan. After watching Jordan Metal Universe cards sell for $600–$800, Jason recognized demand for the set—and an opportunity in a Peyton Manning rookie sitting around $100. He joins Joe Bartel and Chris Thomas to explain the thinking behind that purchase and the rest of his challenge portfolio. Jason, co-host of The Ballcard Show, breaks down how he reads buyer behavior, why he’s holding Matthew Stafford, and why he might sell Josh Allen before the playoffs. We also discuss Tyler Shough, Bijan Robinson’s Rookie Kings case hit, repack demand, and the grading mistakes that can turn an exciting purchase into an expensive lesson. Plus: Rams buy-low opportunities, NFC East quarterback card prices, Travis Hunter’s hype, and this week’s Superfractor Takes. The SCN Challenge Show is the internet’s very first crossover of fantasy football and trading cards: ten creators, five PSA-graded cards each, and a $1,000 starting budget. The goal is the highest percentage gain by the end of the challenge. Would you hold Josh Allen for a Super Bowl run or sell into the playoff hype? Make your case in the comments. Subscribe to Sports Cards Nonsense for new episodes and follow the challenge throughout the season. Presented by PSA and Card Ladder. PSA covers authentication, grading, population data, and vault services. Card Ladder provides market values, price movement, and market data. SCN breaks down the creators’ moves and strategies. CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold Open: “The Right Kind of Wrong” 00:25 Welcome & How the SCN Challenge Works 02:08 Pokémon Cards Paid for World Series Tickets 04:52 Rams Buy Low? Stafford, Puka & Ty Simpson 11:44 NFC Least: Quarterback Card Prices 20:57 Jason Otero Joins the Show 25:25 Peyton Manning Metal Universe: Up 260% 28:22 What Makes a Card Hard to Grade? 31:23 Rams Panic & Jason’s Matthew Stafford Strategy 33:55 When Would Jason Sell Josh Allen? 37:10 Tyler Shough & the Quick-Flip Market 39:50 Trading Into Bijan Robinson’s Rookie Kings 43:38 Two Questions to Ask Before Buying a Card 46:45 Coordinator Chris: Chargers, Dolphins & Rookie Receivers 51:17 Travis Hunter Hype & Trevor Lawrence 55:15 Superfractor Takes: J.J. McCarthy & Tight Ends 59:49 Brewers Talk & Final Thoughts #SportsCards #PeytonManning #SCNChallenge ----- Sports Cards Nonsense is your home for all things sports cards and collectibles. Tune in Monday and Thursday to SCN, Tuesday to Nonsense on Ice, Wednesday to The Gordy Bonker Show, and Thursday to The Hobby Handbook. Whether you're a vintage card collector, love Pokémon cards, have a sports card collection, or all of the above, we have you covered. Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe https://scnchallenge.com/ https://linktr.ee/SportsCardsNonsense?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5764ed98-4893-4eae-bf91-0bd89949ed99

  3. Oct 9

    How Trent Took the Lead in the $1,000 Card Challenge | SCN Challenge Ep. 5

    Bryce Young’s Prizm Silver rookie card went from $140 to $300—but where could the next football card breakout come from? In Episode 5 of the SCN Challenge Show, Joe and Chris break down the card sales, backup quarterback opportunities, and player hype driving the conversation. Trent from Hobby Handbook joins as the current challenge leader to explain how he built his five-card, $1,000 portfolio—and when he might start making moves. We dig into undervalued Prizm Silver autographs, Tyler Shough’s 60% card increase, Caleb Williams’ unlicensed Topps Chrome rookie, and the roles Josh Allen and Kyler Murray play in Trent’s lineup. Plus: Drew Allar vs. Carson Beck, the debate over Cam Ward’s future, Chicago’s running backs, and whether running back cards could help decide the challenge. Trent also shares how he uses sports news alerts to time his card listings. Which player would you add to a $1,000 football card portfolio right now? Tell us in the comments, and subscribe for more SCN Challenge episodes. CHAPTERS 00:00 Bears–Packers prediction & show introduction 01:15 Bryce Young’s breakout & $140-to-$300 rookie card 04:05 Star players vs. better cards: building a $1,000 lineup 06:11 Backup quarterbacks & short-term card opportunities 10:22 Drew Allar vs. Carson Beck: who gets a chance next? 14:30 Trent from Hobby Handbook joins the show 18:43 Why Trent targets Prizm Silver autographs 20:58 How Bijan Robinson landed in Trent’s portfolio 22:13 Caleb Williams & the unlicensed Topps Chrome debate 24:45 Tyler Shough’s card is up 60%: hold or sell? 26:16 Josh Allen, Kyler Murray & balancing the portfolio 30:38 Trent’s trade plans & playoff strategy 34:07 Using sports news alerts to time card listings 36:40 Cam Ward: could the Titans draft another quarterback? 40:41 Chicago Bears running backs: which card has more upside? 46:23 Bold take: a running back card helps win the challenge 50:39 Giants prediction & Malik Nabers card upside 52:41 Jaxson Dart: holding rookie cards for the next opportunity 53:45 Wrap-up & following the SCN Challenge ----- Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe https://scnchallenge.com/ https://linktr.ee/SportsCardsNonsense?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5764ed98-4893-4eae-bf91-0bd89949ed99

  4. Sep 30

    Brady vs. Manning In 2026: Is the Price Gap Justified? | SCN Challenge Ep. 4

    Greatness vs. collector demand: why does Brady command such a premium over Manning? Is Tom Brady’s card premium over Peyton Manning justified—or is Manning being overlooked? Alex Clever Cuban makes the case for Manning, while Chris Thomas explains why collector demand can matter more than the gap in talent. Joe Bartel and Chris welcome Alex from The Hobby Handbook and Mike Gioseffi for SCN Challenge Episode 4. They debate Bijan Robinson vs. Jahmyr Gibbs, examine Alex’s Tyler Shough strategy, and discuss why historic NFL production doesn’t always translate into card value. Plus: Alex buys literally a ton of cards, Gio tests his NFL receiver knowledge, and the show closes with Superfractor Takes on Derrick Henry, rookie pass catchers, and Patrick Mahomes. Follow the contestants and their portfolios: https://scnchallenge.com/ CHAPTERS 00:00 Brady vs. Manning: The Price Gap 00:13 Welcome Back, Chris—and His Japan Card Haul 03:11 Raiders 3–0: What Happens to Mendoza’s Cards? 07:02 Bijan Robinson vs. Jahmyr Gibbs 10:00 Alex Clever Cuban Bought 100,000 Cards 12:12 Alex’s Challenge Strategy & Tyler Shough Swap 21:04 What Actually Creates Card-Market Hype? 23:24 Brady vs. Manning: Greatness, Demand & Value 29:01 Alex’s Next Moves: Hold or Swap? 32:11 Using AI to Improve Card Presentation 34:51 Mike Gio Joins: NFL Receiver Trivia 41:34 Beyond Quarterbacks: Which NFL Greats Hold Value? 48:59 Gio’s Aaron Rodgers Rookie Is Down 20% 51:42 Bijan, Kyler Murray & Puka Nacua 54:29 Superfractor Takes: Henry & Rookie Pass Catchers 58:13 Gio’s Patrick Mahomes Prediction 58:59 Team Loyalty, Brady Fandom & Closing Banter 01:01:27 Wrap-Up Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe https://scnchallenge.com/ https://linktr.ee/SportsCardsNonsense?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5764ed98-4893-4eae-bf91-0bd89949ed99

  5. Sep 24

    Are PSA 9s the Smarter Buy? | SCN Challenge Ep. 3

    When does a PSA 9 make more sense than a PSA 10? Gary LeMaster from Ball Card Show joins Mike Sterk and Joe Bartel to explain his SCN Challenge portfolio—and what conversations with collectors at card shows have taught him about finding value. Gary breaks down his picks of Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, Matthew Stafford, Baker Mayfield and Justin Jefferson, explains why the right grade depends on the card, and shares his strategy for taking a 25% gain during the Challenge. Also in Episode 3: • Quarterback injuries and their impact on the card market • Winning games versus putting up big numbers • Why receivers, running backs and tight ends deserve more attention • Sit/Start: football takes meet collecting decisions • Superfractor Takes, including Joe’s bearish Justin Herbert prediction • Gary’s advice for turning a collecting passion into a business Presented by PSA. Follow the Challenge and explore the portfolios: https://scnchallenge.com Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe https://scnchallenge.com/ https://linktr.ee/SportsCardsNonsense?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5764ed98-4893-4eae-bf91-0bd89949ed99

  6. Sep 17

    Caleb Williams or Jaxson Dart: Which Cards Have More Upside?

    Caleb Williams or Jaxson Dart—which football cards have more upside after Week 1? Joe and Chris debate the hype, the prices, and why big performances don’t always translate into hobby demand. Dalen McMillon of Junk Wax Vintage joins Episode 2 of The SCN Challenge Show to explain his five-card portfolio, why he’s holding Justin Herbert, and how Amanda made the case for Travis Kelce. He also shares the story behind his collecting community and his recovery journey. Plus: • Caleb Williams rookie cards and Jaxson Dart’s potential rebound • Travis Kelce’s legacy and retirement speculation • Coordinator Chris: Caleb up, Dart up, or Bo Nix down? • Why Kenneth Walker deserves more hobby respect • Superfractor Takes: Brock Purdy’s card market and Vikings vs. Bears CHAPTERS 00:00 Cold open 00:11 Opening banter 02:25 King Caleb 08:23 Dart Rising 11:20 Dalen Interview 14:11 Dalen’s football-card portfolio 20:33 Why Amanda picked Travis Kelce 25:39 Evaluating cards: Liquidity and sales history 29:13 Dalen on recovery and community 35:16 The Kelce Effect 38:32 Coordinator Chris 44:02 Walker Disrespect 48:06 Superfractor Takes Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe https://scnchallenge.com/ https://linktr.ee/SportsCardsNonsense?utm_source=linktree_profile_share<sid=5764ed98-4893-4eae-bf91-0bd89949ed99

  7. Sep 10

    The $1,000 Football Card Challenge ft. Mike Gioseffi

    Five football cards. A $1,000 fantasy budget. Who has the best eye for value? Mike Gioseffi joins Joe Bartel and Chris Thomas for The SCN Challenge Show, where ten SCN personalities build simulated portfolios of PSA-graded NFL cards and track their values through the season. Gio breaks down his picks: Kyler Murray, Aaron Rodgers, Christian McCaffrey, Drake Maye and Ja'Marr Chase. Hear which cards he plans to flip, which he wants to hold, and why strong football performances do not always translate into higher card prices. Plus: the league rules, Rams Super Bowl expectations, Baker Mayfield's extension, what really drives hobby hype, and whether sub-$100 cards could outperform the field. Which five cards would you choose with a $1,000 budget? CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet Your Hosts 01:54 League Rules: Five Cards, $1,000 Budget 07:45 Gio Interview: Picks, Flips & Strategy 32:08 Rams Super Bowl? 35:33 Baker Mayfield Extension 39:47 Hype: Defined 45:27 Superfractor Takes: Bold Predictions 48:05 Wrap-Up & What's Next Follow Sports Cards Nonsense: https://www.tiktok.com/@sportscardsnonsense https://www.instagram.com/sports_cards_nonsense/ https://x.com/SCN_Pod https://www.facebook.com/groups/sportscardsnonsense https://collectibleslife.beehiiv.com/subscribe

  • 7 Episodes

About

Hosted by Chris Thomas, Ataboy Cards brought 10 creators and card collectors together to mix fantasy football with card collecting. Each collector drafts 5 modern player cards, plus 1 legend card. We track whose portfolio is up the most through the Super Bowl. Taking cues from fantasy football, we'll have waivers each week. Follow along to see who wins The SCN Challenge!

Information

You Might Also Like