Put it this way.
I expected a loss to the Patriots in Foxboro. And I didn't expect it to be close. I picked Miami to lose by multiple scores. I had been expecting that loss since before the season began, even with my expectation that they begin 3-0.
I am, and have been since before the season began, expecting the Dolphins to lose to the Bengals. And I think THAT game may not be very close, either.
So before the season started, my expectation were:
1. To beat the Titans comfortably
2. To squeak a win against the Jets on the road
3. To beat the Raiders comfortably
4. To lose to the Patriots comfortably or in a blowout
5. To lose to the Bengals comfortably or maybe even in a blowout
So let's suppose the Dolphins do win this game against Cincinnati, on the road, against a really good team.
That will be the first time the Dolphins have surprised my expectations, and it will be an UPSIDE surprise.
So yeah, I would get more bullish on them than I have been.