David Johnson and Jay Ajayi London-bound in 2017 for NFL

By Tom Julian

Image: Who are the most exciting players that will visit London next season?

It was confirmed this week that the NFL is returning to London with four games, two of which in Wembley and the other two at Twickenham.

On Tuesday, NFL UK made the announcement that eight teams would make the trip to London next year, including the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns and Arizona Cardinals

Sky Sports takes a look at some of the most exciting players that will be visiting in the 2017 season. 

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1. David Johnson, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals

After an excellent rookie season leading his team to the NFC Championship game, the star continues to rise for David Johnson. After 13 touchdowns in his first year, Johnson already has 15 this season, and although the Cardinals won't make it to the post-season, he is a legitimate MVP candidate.

Johnson has over 100 yards from scrimmage in every game this season. Whether he is called on as a runner or a receiver, Johnson is a serious threat to opposition defenders every play.

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Image: Adrian Peterson impressed on his last visit to the UK and fans will be hoping for more in 2017

2. Adrian Peterson, Running Back, Minnesota Vikings

A lock for the Hall of Fame when he decides to retire, Adrian Peterson is a difference maker that the Vikings have sorely missed this season.

He is a seven-time Pro Bowler, and won the MVP award back in 2012. Having lost the majority of this season due to a knee injury, Peterson began training again this week, and is hopeful of a return if Minnesota make it to the play-offs.

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In his last London appearance back in 2013, Peterson rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns, as the Vikings beat the Pittsburgh Steelers 34-27. Up against the Cleveland Browns in 2017, he will relish another opportunity to dazzle the Twickenham crowd. 

Image: Drew Brees threw for 339 yards and three touchdowns in his last Wembley appearance

3. Drew Brees, Quarterback, New Orleans Saints

Another player likely to enter the Hall of Fame, Brees has impressed over a 16-year career in the NFL, including a Super Bowl victory in 2011. The Saints play their first game on UK soil since 2008, when they beat the San Diego Chargers 37-32. 

Brees is a nine-time Pro Bowler, and has finished as passing yards leader six times. He also holds the record for most amount of touchdowns thrown in one game, when he completed seven scoring passes against the New York Giants last season. UK fans will be hoping for a repeat performance.

Image: Tyrann Mathieu (left) and Cardinals teammate Patrick Peterson combine to make up of the most disruptive secondaries in the NFL

4. Patrick Peterson/Tyrann Matthieu, Secondary, Arizona Cardinals

Despite a disappointing season for Bruce Arians' team, there have been some bright spots particularly on defence. 

The Cardinals currently rank as the NFL's top defence, having conceded the few yards per game on average. Cornerback Peterson is a big reason for that. Though he has just three interceptions, this is largely due to opposition offences not willing to target him. 

Matthieu's season has been hampered by injury, by he remains one of the most exciting defensive play-makers in the league.

Watch London-born Miami Dolphins running back Jay Ajayi highlights against the Buffalo Bills in week seven

5. Jay Ajayi, Running Back, Miami Dolphins

2016 has been an incredible and improbable breakout season for Ajayi, under rookie head coach Adam Gase. 

Before Ajayi's emergence as the go-to back, the Dolphins struggled to get going, slipping to a 1-4 record from their first five. Ajayi didn't even travel for their first game against the Seattle Seahawks.

However, it was Ajayi's back-to-back 200+ yard games, becoming only the fourth player to do so, which elevated him to lead back. With the Dolphins returning to the UK for the first time since Ajayi was drafted, the London-born star will play in front of a home crowd when Miami take on the New Orleans Saints. 

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