Can't speak for Matt on this specific trade. However I prefer to sell options vs buy them when volatility is high. Sell the Premium vs pay the premium. The main disadvantage(theoretical) is that you cap your upside to the credit you receive. Whereas if you buy the option the upside is far higher and the downside is capped to price paid. I personally like Calendar and Diagonal spreads, I will sell a shorter term option to help pay for the longer term more expensive option.  As wih all option trades be sure you understand the risk reward before trying, they can go wrong quickly. Hope that made sense, LOL.