So your curious to how a sealed box of cards breaks down when it comes to inserts?  This hobby box contained 36 packs with 12 cards each.  The following inserts were pulled, I will also list what the stated odds are as listed on each Topps wrapper.  Out of 36 packs,  28 inserts were pulled.  These included~

# pulled                                                            Stated Odds
    7         2803 cards                                              1 in 6              
    5        Hall Of Fame Tribute Cards                      1 in 6
    4        Rookie Special Edition                              1 in 10
    3        GOLD parallel, each numbered to 2006   1 in 12
    2        Own The Game                                        1 in 22
    2         Hobby Masters                                       1 in 18
    2         Madden EA Insider                                 1 in 18                    
    2        Ward Hines Ring Of Honor                       1 in 36
    1        BLACK version, numbered to 51          1 in 134 packs

It should also be noted that it is possible to pull autographs and game used cards from these packs as well as 1 of 1 type inserts that include press plates and platinum cards,  these are the longshot cards but they are out there and someone has to get them, so why not you?

My thoughts~

With 28 out of 36 packs containing an insert card I'd say you would have to be very satified.

If you are looking for a box to break open at a fair price with lots of inserts and loaded with rookies,  look no further.  Topps is the oldest producer of cards and in the long run will likely be one of the last ones standing.  It should also be noted that each pack contained at least two rookie cards and sometimes three.  There are 385 cards needed to complete this set,  you will get a total of 432 cards in a box.  Once you subtract the inserts I was able to complete roughly 75% of the set (after opening a second box the set was easily completed).

If purchasing a box on eBay,  be sure it is a HOBBY box and not a retail box (much better rate of inserts).  Also,  be sure it is a 36 count box with 12 cards per pack,  boxes come in many different configurations including rack packs, jumbo backs, retail packs, packs with only 6 cards.  ONLY buy boxes that are factory sealed,  you will be assured of having a fair shot at pulling any inserts list on the package.  Never pay more than $8.50 for priority postage and if you get two boxes from the same person it should cost the same as you can get two of these boxes in a flat rate priority for the same price.  As for the box of Topps itself, if you can pick up a box for between $36 and $45 you are doing pretty well,  these packs normally retail for $1.99 at most stores, sometimes cheaper at you hobby shop.  I would always encourage you to support your local card dealer (no, I am not one).  Most are pretty well informed and good people to deal with.

Some collecting ideas~

My days of trying to collect all Brett Favre cards went away a long time ago.  What I do now is build a team set (PACKERS) of just the Topps base cards every year.  Thats it.  I have built team sets going all the way back to the 50's, again, just the Packers and just the Topps base cards (no Chrome, Finest, Total or any of the others).

The complete sets are not that pricey if you want to go that route,  if you have a new child and 2006 was his or hers birth year,  put a complete set together and put it away for 10-12 years.  Who's to sat Reggie Bush still won't be playing and your child has his rookie card of a player that he may well know.

Well, thats it, hope you found this helpful, interesting or just plain usefull.  My next project will be to let you know how a full case broke down!  Drop me a line if you need a few cards to finish that 2006 Topps football set,  I may be able to help you out....