WI the Entente, rather than planning continuous British offensives against Germany in the west and the Russian summer "Kerensky" offensive against the Austrians decided to put off major action for 1917 while the US geared up.
The Entente need not be entirely passive, so for example, the British and Russians (with maybe some French colonial or Balkan Expeditionary forces joining) could sustain major offensives against the Ottomans for 1917.
Relieved of the burden of defense on the western, Austro-Italian and Russian fronts, what would the Germans be doing through the spring, summer and fall of 1917? Would they pick a front to mass on and try to go on the attack? Which front, and with what results? Would the Germans, not having to defend against Allied offensives in Europe, be able to divert support to the distant Ottomans that would counteract any escalated Allied efforts against the Turks?
Would Entente unwillingness to commit to offensives in 1917 significantly raise the risks of military indiscipline, agitation or legislation in favor of negotiations, or anger the Americans and cause them to slow down their buildup?
How much would avoiding an offensive in Europe increases the Russian Provisional Government's likelihood of survival through the end of 1917 or through the convocation of the Constituent Assembly?
Presuming both sides in Europe largely "save up" and build up for 1918 campaigning, perhaps with both sides ready to launch offensives at the same time, how do their more massive and rested forces fare against each other?