NFL players primed to bounce back in 2017

Falling behind Jack Doyle in Indianapolis last season, it was about time Allen got a change of scenery. He couldn't find a better place than the Patriots, who should be able to utilize his skill set. Allen had 45 receptions for 521 yards in his rookie year in 2012, still his most productive statistical season to date.

Returning from a torn ACL suffered in Week 1 last season, Allen has been highly productive during his career when healthy. He had 67 receptions for 725 yards and four scores in only eight games in 2015.

The Denver offense scuffled late last season without Anderson. He has more than 62 rushing yards per game in seven contests and should get more support this season after the Broncos signed Jamaal Charles.

Battling nagging injuries last season, Ansah had only two sacks after a terrific 14.5-sack performance in 2015. Now that he's back healthy, the Lions have reason to expect a rebound.

Bryant has fought through foot problems over the last two seasons and saw his production really suffer last year. He's still explosive going on age 29 and should get more targets in Dak Prescott's sophomore season.

Bryant was suspended for all of last season, but he's reintroduced himself in training camp. When on the field, Bryant is one of the scariest deep threats in the league, averaging 17.3 yards per reception with 76 career catches.

Cutler came out of retirement in training camp to reunite with former Bears offensive coordinator Adam Gase. He's proved comfortable with the Miami offense this summer and is in an excellent situation to succeed with weapons like Jarvis Landry and DeVante Parker.

Dareus played only eight games last season, struggling through issues away from the field and injuries. He had a strong offseason and gets a clean slate with new head coach Sean McDermott, though he was suspended from the Bills' third preseason game for violating a team rule.

Decker played only three games with the Jets last season due to injury, but he had established himself as one of the most consistent wideouts in football up to that point. He's looking to get back to 1,000 yards receiving for the fourth time now with capable quarterback Marcus Mariota.

There were high hopes for Fleener in the New Orleans offense last year, but he never seemed comfortable. Now with a year in the system under his belt, the tight end is set for more targets after the team traded Brandin Cooks.

Gronkowski showed flashes of his usual self last season but played only eight games due to hamstring and back issues. A long injury history makes Gronk a risky bounce-back candidate, but he's also the most dominant tight end in football when he's right.

Gurley really struggled last season in the Rams' vanilla offense. They've addressed the scheme by hiring Sean McVay and also made huge improvements on the offensive line. Gurley was spectacular in his rookie season and should be expected to rebound with a more creative offense.

After establishing himself as a truly elite wide receiver in 2015, Hopkins regressed last season due in large part to horrible quarterback play. It's addition by subtraction with Brock Osweiler out of the picture, as Tom Savage and Deshaun Watson should be able to help return Hopkins to elite status.

Knee issues have hindered Houston over the last two seasons, but he enters the year healthy. The dynamic pass rusher led the league with 22 sacks in 2014 and has 11.5 sacks in 16 regular-season games over the last two seasons. His presence could make K.C.'s defense scary.

Hoyer played very well while replacing Jay Cutler in Chicago before breaking his arm. 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan is quiet friendly for quarterback production, so there's reason for excitement despite Hoyer's shaky history.

The Shanahan offense has produced some tremendous seasons from running backs between Kyle and his father, Mike. Hyde is very capable of a big year but needs to stay healthy to reach expectations.

Jeffery had to settle for a one-year deal with the Eagles in the offseason after missing time in consecutive seasons. He was one of the top wideouts in football in 2013 with 1,421 receiving yards, and young Carson Wentz has the ability to get him the ball consistently.

One of the truly elite linebackers in the game, Kuechly's history of concussions is extremely concerning. He played only 10 games last season, but he does enter the year healthy.

Lacy arrived to Green Bay in better shape last season, only to play only five games due to injury. The Seahawks would like to pound the ball on the ground again, and a svelte Lacy is capable with consecutive 1,100-yard rushing seasons over his first two years.

Marshall moved from the Jets to the Giants to hopefully make the playoffs for the first time and aid in Odell Beckham's development. The veteran also stands to see plenty of single coverage, which could allow for a big year.

Martin looked lost last year, but he's been rejuvenated during training camp. After averaging less than three yards per carry last year, Martin should be able to rebound but will have to miss the first three games of the season due to suspension.

McFadden played only three games last year due to injury, but he's set to start six games with Ezekiel Elliott suspended. Behind the Dallas offensive line, McFadden proved he could still play in 2015 with nearly 1,100 yards on the ground.

After winning the MVP in 2015, Newton didn't look right last year while playing through a bad shoulder and a bad offensive line. The Panthers have made adjustments up front, and Newton enters the year healthy.

Peterson failed to stay healthy with the Vikings last year but fits in well in a complementary role with the Saints. He will see more limited touches but could be difficult to stop in a dynamic Saints offense.

Watt played only three games last season due to a back injury, but he's been his old self during the preseason. Still ranking as the No. 1 defense in football last year, the Texans could take another step forward if Watt can stay on the field.