Fun to Rip but Too Inconsistent The 2024–25 Panini Contenders NFL Blaster Box is one of those products that can go either way depending on your expectations. On the surface, it’s an enjoyable break. Contenders has always been known for its clean ticket-style design, and this year continues that trend with sharp layouts and bold team colors. The packs are quick to rip, and with inserts like Rookie of the Year, Season Ticket parallels, and various themed subsets, there’s a nice mix to keep things from feeling too plain. However, once you dig deeper, the product really starts to show its weaknesses. The biggest issue is inconsistency. Some blasters produce a halfway decent relic or the rare auto, but many boxes end up being mostly base cards with low-value inserts. While the checklist is large, too many packs feel repetitive with duplicate base players, which can make the box lose excitement halfway through the rip. The so-called “hit” is often underwhelming. Most of the time it’s a napkin-style jersey card, and the sticker autos don’t carry much appeal in the long run. On-card signatures are what collectors hope for in Contenders, but those are strictly reserved for hobby boxes, leaving retail buyers with the less desirable end of the product line. If you’re chasing a favorite rookie, there’s still a chance to pull something nice, but the odds are stacked heavily against it. Another drawback is the overall value. For the price of a blaster, you’d hope for more substance, but unless you pull a standout parallel or a rare hit, the resale value just isn’t there. Even some of the inserts feel generic and don’t stand out the way Contenders used to in past years. With so many football products available now, it’s tough to recommend this one as anything more than a casual rip. That being said, if you just enjoy opening packs and don’t mind the gamble, this box does provide entertainment. It’s especially fun if you’re collecting for your personal collection, chasing team PCs, or introducing younger fans to card ripping. The design is still solid, the rookies are always nice to pull, and there’s always that slim chance of finding an autograph. Overall, I’d call this blaster an average product. It’s not terrible, but it doesn’t shine either. If you want guaranteed value or more meaningful hits, you’re better off saving for a hobby box. But if you just want the thrill of opening packs and don’t mind the risk of a dud, this Contenders blaster is still worth a try every now and then.
