Nvidia (NVDA) Options Signal Bullish Momentum: Calls at $195–$200 Dominate as Analysts Target $240–$275+

Generated by AI AgentOptions FocusReviewed byAInvest News Editorial Team
Friday, Jan 16, 2026 12:42 pm ET2min read
  • NVDA trades at $188.05, up 0.53% with 86.8M shares traded—volume spikes near key resistance levels.
  • Options data shows 164,632 open interest at the $200 call (this Friday’s expiry), while block trades hint at strategic positioning around $190–$195 strikes.
  • Analysts from Oppenheimer to RBC have stacked $240–$275 price targets, citing AI dominance and $57B+ revenue growth.
Here’s what the data tells us: The options market is betting big on a short-term breakout above $190, with heavy call open interest and block trades suggesting institutional confidence. But let’s dig deeper—this isn’t just noise. It’s a setup.Bullish Pressure at $195–$200, But Puts Signal Caution

The options chain is a goldmine of sentiment. For this Friday’s expiry, the $200 call (OI: 164,632) and $195 call (OI: 97,578) dominate, while the $190 call sees a massive block trade of 14,098 contracts bought. That’s not accidental—it’s a signal. Traders are hedging or speculating on a move above $190, where Bollinger Bands and 30D/200D moving averages converge.

But don’t ignore the puts. The $185 put (OI: 25,747 for next Friday) and $170 put (OI: 23,939) suggest some downside protection is being priced in. If NVDA dips below $185 (lower Bollinger Band at $175.30), that could trigger a short-term selloff. The put/call ratio of 0.89 (calls > puts) leans bullish, but the RSI at 46.69 means we’re not in overbought territory yet—room to run, but watch for exhaustion.

News Flow: AI Dominance and Shareholder Returns Fuel Optimism

Analysts aren’t just guessing. Oppenheimer and Jefferies reiterated "Outperform" ratings, with Jefferies hiking its target to $275. Piper Sandler’s $225 call? That’s baked into the $195–$200 call frenzy. And let’s not forget the $96B in shareholder returns—NVDA’s 41.3% free cash flow margin makes this possible.

But here’s the catch: insider selling ($40M in January) and the bear case (projected $38/share by 2030) remind us that AI hype can cool. The good news? NVDA’s 90% AI accelerator market share and 73% gross margins are moats. For now.

Actionable Trades: Calls for Breakouts, Puts for SafetyFor options traders: Buy the (next Friday expiry) if breaks above $190. The block trade of 14,098 contracts at this strike suggests a short-term target. Alternatively, a bearish put spread using and could hedge against a dip below $185.For stock traders: Consider entry near $185 (middle Bollinger Band) with a target at $195. If NVDA holds above $182.24 (200D support), the 30D/100D averages ($183.81) could act as a floor. A stop below $182.23 would signal a breakdown—exit or short.Volatility on the Horizon: Positioning for a $200+ Move

The data paints a clear picture: NVDA is primed for a push toward $200, with options and news aligning. But don’t ignore the risks. If the stock stumbles below $185, the lower Bollinger Band at $175.30 could test resolve. For now, the bulls hold the high ground.

Bottom line? This is a stock with momentum, margin, and margin of safety. Play it smart—let the options data guide your entry, and keep a close eye on that $190 level. The AI train’s not slowing down anytime soon.

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