TSLA Options Signal Bullish Bias: Key Call Strikes and Block Trades Point to $460+ Target – Here’s How to Play It

TSLA is trading at $445.67, down 0.27% from its intraday high of $463.01.Call open interest dominates at $460–$500 strikes, while puts cluster below $430.Block trades in deep-out-of-the-money calls suggest institutional bullishness ahead of key technical levels.

Here’s the takeaway: TSLA’s options market is pricing in a strong near-term upside bias, with heavy call open interest at $460–$500 strikes and block trades hinting at a potential breakout above $463.01. But the overbought RSI and weak U.S. sales data mean volatility could swing both ways. Let’s break it down.

Call Overload at $460–$500: A Bullish Bet on Robotaxi Hype

TSLA’s options chain is skewed bullish, with the top OTM calls expiring this Friday ($460, $470, $500) holding combined open interest of 86,995 contracts. That’s not just noise—it’s a vote of confidence in Elon Musk’s self-imposed robotaxi deadline and the stock’s ability to reclaim $463.01, its intraday high.

But here’s the twist: The put/call ratio for open interest is 0.85, meaning calls outweigh puts by 18%. That suggests retail and institutional players are hedging less on the downside. However, the top OTM puts ($430, $435) have 27,721 OI combined, which could act as a safety net if the $429.73–$431.28 support zone breaks.

Block trades add intrigue. A 1,200-lot call block at TSLA20250919C380 (expiring Sept 19) and a 500-lot call at TSLA20250919C400 signal big money is positioning for a multi-month rally. These trades, paired with heavy OI at $460–$500, imply a “buy the rumor, sell the news” setup if the robotaxi rollout hits snags.

Sales Slump vs. AI Hype: Which Story Wins?

TSLA’s U.S. sales dropped 23% in November, with cheaper models cannibalizing premium demand. That’s bearish in the short term. But the options market isn’t pricing in that risk—it’s betting on Musk’s AI moonshots.

The robotaxi timeline is a wildcard. If TSLA clears $463.01, it could trigger a parabolic move toward $500, where the top OTM calls ($500 strike, 17,372 OI) sit. But if the Cybercab rollout delays, the $424.97 Bollinger Band middle line could become a battleground. Retail investors are already split: some are buying calls for the AI dream, others are shorting the sales slump.

Trade Ideas: Calls for the Bold, Puts for the PragmaticFor options traders: Buy-to-open TSLA20251219C460 (strike $460, expiring Dec 19) if TSLA holds above $441.67. The $460 strike is a sweet spot—it’s just below the intraday high and has 26,237 OI next Friday. A breakout here could trigger a cascade of stop-loss orders. Alternatively, a bullish call spread at $460/$490 could cap risk while riding the AI hype.For stock traders: Consider entries near $445–$448 if TSLA rebounds off the 30D MA ($432.06). A close above $463.01 would validate the bullish case, with targets at $470 (resistance) and $490. But if the stock dips below $429.73 support, short-term bears could take over—consider selling puts at $430 (TSLA20251219P430) for a $158.74 premium.Volatility on the Horizon: Balancing Bullish Momentum and Earnings Pressure

TSLA’s technicals and options data tell two stories: a short-term bullish breakout and a long-term earnings-driven correction. The RSI at 75.38 is screaming overbought, but the 30D MA is rising, and MACD (5.62) is positive. That’s a classic “buy the dip” setup—if the dip happens.

The key is timing. If TSLA holds $424.97 (Bollinger middle band), the bulls have a fighting chance. But if it falls below $424.97, the 200D MA at $345.20 becomes a death trap. For now, the call-heavy options market and block trades suggest the crowd is leaning bullish—but don’t ignore the puts. In a high-volatility environment, having a plan for both directions is how you survive the ride.