<
>

Surprise! Dolphins make sizable jump in ESPN's Power Rankings

The Miami Dolphins (1-2) won their first game of the season and the first of the Adam Gase era. However, even the head coach wasn’t happy with the performance after Miami’s 30-24 overtime victory over the winless Cleveland Browns (0-3).

The win did enough to help Miami make its biggest jump of the season in ESPN's NFL Power Rankings -- up four spots to No. 25. The Dolphins were previously on a trajectory to hit the bottom of the basement after losing two in a row and ranking 29th last week.

Did Miami deserve the jump? That’s debatable.

Cleveland had several chances to win the game and missed three field goals in regulation. That could have been the difference. The Dolphins were sloppy on both sides of the ball in their home opener, which is a concern.

The Dolphins know they must play a lot better to have a chance on the road Thursday against the Cincinnati Bengals (1-2). Cincinnati has been to the playoffs five straight years and won’t be an easy matchup at home.