"I don't like using the word 'surprised' because there are not many things that we do that we don't believe we can do all the way," Sparano said the day after the Dolphins beat Buffalo 16-3 in Toronto and tied for the division lead. "Once we started to assemble this team and I had seen the pieces come together, I was pretty pleased. But you never know how it's going to turn out."

So far it's turning out better than probably the most optimistic Dolphins fan might have hoped.

The victory against Buffalo put the Dolphins (8-5, 3-2 AFC East) in a tie for the division lead with the Jets (8-5, 3-1) and Patriots (8-5, 3-2). The Dolphins would earn a playoff berth and host a postseason game by beating San Francisco (5-8) on Sunday at Dolphin Stadium and winning at Kansas City (2-11) and the Jets in the final two weeks.

The Dolphins were in a similar position going into the Bills game, and Sparano said he was pleased the team didn't get caught looking ahead.

"This week showed me that they really can focus on the now," Sparano said.

With each victory, the Dolphins gain more attention for their bid to climb from worst to first.

"We're not eating the cheese," Dolphins nose tackle Jason Ferguson, a team captain, said after the game Sunday. "It's good to stay humble."

After losing their first two games following the 1-15 season, there wasn't much indication the Dolphins would have to worry about overconfidence. They were competitive in losing the season opener to the Jets but then collapsed during a 31-10 loss at Arizona.

"I always keep bringing up to our team that Arizona game because, to me, that game really made us all start looking in the mirror," Sparano said.

The 38-13 victory at New England the next week, with the Wildcat formation playing a major part, was the first sign of the Dolphins' potential. They beat San Diego in their next game, but then blew a late lead at Houston and were dominated at home by Baltimore.

Since then, the Dolphins have won 6 of 7, the Patriots and Jets have stumbled and the Dolphins control their playoff destiny. And there are signs the Dolphins are piecing together more complete efforts.

The defense has not allowed a touchdown in the last two games and is forcing turnovers. Sparano praised the secondary for its aggressiveness in challenging receivers, playing the ball and tackling.

The offense has been efficient. Quarterback Chad Pennington's production has been relatively modest, but he's thrown four touchdowns with just one interception in his last four games.

The Dolphins, losers no more, now will play their final three games under pressure. Sparano said he's "curious" to see how the team responds to the challenge.

"There is a belief in that locker room, and I have seen it start to happen in different periods throughout the course of the season," Sparano said. "So, [am I] surprised? I think right now they are going into games pretty confident.

"They believe they know how to win and how to lose in this league and if they give themselves a chance to win, their resiliency comes out."

Staff Writer Omar Kelly contributed to this report.

INFORMATIONAL BOX:

This week

Sunday's game: 49ers (5-8) at Dolphins (8-5)

1 p.m. on Fox Andersen kicks off

Top scorer Morten Andersen retires. Page 4