NVDA Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Strikes and Block Trades Point to $190+ Upside Potential

• NVDA trades at $187.15, down 1.09% from $189.21, with a bullish engulfing candle and long-term bullish trend.
• Call open interest dominates at $190 and $200 strikes, while puts cluster at $160 and $185. Put/Call ratio: 0.86 (calls favored).
• Block trades show $7.7M call buy at $175 strike (expiring 9/19/2025) and $2.97M put activity at $165 (expiring 6/18/2026).

Here’s the takeaway: NVDA’s options market is leaning hard into a bullish narrative, with heavy call buying at key strikes and technicals pointing to a potential breakout above $188.98 (Bollinger Upper Band). While short-term volatility exists, the data suggests a high probability of a $190+ move before year-end.

Bullish Calls Dominate, But Deep Puts Signal Caution

The options chain tells a clear story: traders are betting on a rebound. For this Friday’s expiration, calls at $190 (OI: 67,845) and $187.5 (OI: 37,346) are the most watched, while next Friday’s chain sees even heavier interest at $192.5 (OI: 58,583). This suggests a consensus that NVDA could test $190–$195 before the year ends.

But don’t ignore the puts. Deep OTM puts at $160 (OI: 51,662) and $165 (OI: 32,044) show some hedging activity. While not a bearish signal, they hint at caution among long-term holders. The block trades add intrigue: a $7.7M call purchase at the $175 strike (NVDA20250919C175) and a $2.97M put buy at $165 (NVDA20260618P165) suggest institutional players are positioning for both near-term upside and long-term downside protection.

News Flow: Mixed Signals, But Bulls Stay in Control

The recent news isn’t all bad. Yes, the halt in Intel’s 18A chip testing raises questions about the partnership’s viability, but Nvidia’s insider sales (e.g., Mark Stevens’ $40M exit) were met with a 9% stock rally—a classic sign of confidence. The market seems to view the Intel issue as a speed bump, not a roadblock.

What’s more telling is Nvidia’s strategic pivot toward AI diversification. With 90% of Q3 revenue from data centers, the company is now pushing into automotive and robotics. This could fuel long-term growth, but for now, the focus remains on short-term technicals and options-driven momentum.

Actionable Trades: Calls for the Breakout, Puts for the Safety Net

For options traders:

• Buy NVDA20251226C190 (this Friday’s $190 call) if NVDA closes above $188.72 (intraday high). Target: $195.
• Buy NVDA20260102C192.5 (next Friday’s $192.5 call) for a longer-term play.
• Sell a bear put spread at $185–$160 to capitalize on the deep OTM puts if the stock dips below $186.59 (intraday low).

For stock traders:

• Buy NVDA near $180.54 (30D support) with a stop below $179.98 (200D support). Target: $190.
• Short-term traders can consider entries near $187.5 (a key call strike) if the stock retests its 50D MA ($182.19) and breaks above the $188.98 Bollinger Upper Band.

Volatility on the Horizon: Balancing Bullish Momentum and Risks

The next 72 hours will be critical. If NVDA holds above $186.59 and closes above $188.72, the $190–$195 range becomes a realistic target. But a breakdown below $180.25 (middle Bollinger Band) could trigger a test of the $171.52 lower band.

The key takeaway? This is a stock with momentum on its side, but the options market isn’t ignoring risks. Play it smart: use the calls to ride the bullish wave, but keep a safety net with the puts or tight stops. The holidays are here, but the market’s eye is on a $190+ finish for NVDA—and the data says it’s within reach.