With a mixture of television newcomers and veterans, the 64th Primetime Emmy Awards are sure to be full of surprises as fan-favorites fight for the gold statuette. Hosted by semi-funny man Jimmy Kimmel, the award show is less than a week away and  who is likely to win the major awards in most cases is truly a battle of old school versus new school.

Outstanding Host For A Reality or Reality-Competition Program

Ryan Seacrest (American Idol) v. Betty White (Betty White’s Off Their Rockers)

It is no secret that since her hilarious performance in the 2009 film, The Proposal, the world fell in love for the second time with Miss Betty White. The last surviving “Golden Girl” has captured the hearts of the older and younger generations through her hilarious Snickers commercials and award-winning TV Land show Hot in Cleveland. Her NBC prank show – think of it as Punk’d for your grandparents – is a rating hit, but White has some tough competition against the man of a thousand jobs, American Idol host, Ryan Seacrest. The man known for his frosted tips earlier this year signed a $30 million deal to continue as host of A.I. for another two years, making him the highest paid reality television host to date.

Predicted winner: Betty White (Betty White’s Off Their Rockers)

Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series

Bryan Cranston as Walter White (Breaking Bad) v. Damian Lewis as Nicholas Brody (Homeland)

This will be one of the toughest categories of the night as outstanding men like Michael C. Hall (Dexter) and Jon Hamm (Mad Men) are both deserving of a win, but it is the performances of Cranston and Lewis that has people talking this TV season. Portraying the drug dealer Walter White, Cranston has won every year in this category since Breaking Bad premiered in 2008. It is no lie that he is fantastic in this show, but one cannot ignore the power of Showtime’s latest hit Homeland. Since the show premiered every TV critic has praised actress Claire Danes in her phenomenal role in Homeland, but true fans of the show know that she would not be so great without Lewis’ character, U.S. Marine turned possible terrorist, Nicholas Brody. A win for Lewis might be one of the big surprises of the night.

Predicted winner: Damian Lewis as Nicholas Brody (Homeland)

Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series

Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison (Homeland) v. Julianna Margulies as Alicia Florrick (The Good Wife)

As CIA agent Carrie Mathison, Danes has this award in the bag. It’s plain and simple. The industry has given her praise after praise for her role as the off-beat and sometimes insane character. Even though The Good Wife is one of the best shows on television, Marqulies really doesn’t stand a chance.

Predicted winner: Claire Danes as Carrie Mathison (Homeland)

Outstanding  Drama Series

Breaking Bad (AMC) v. Downton Abbey (PBS)

For the first time in Primetime Emmy history, a non-American television show is being recognized. The British television series Downton Abbey has a cult following of fans and one of the most talked about shows of the year. There is a reason this show was nominated, possibly to pull a major upset over industry favorite Breaking Bad. Yet, unless you are a gambler, the AMC hit-show is sure to get another victory.

Predicted winner: Breaking Bad (AMC)

Outstanding  Lead Actor in a Comedy Series

Louis C.K. as Louie (Louie) v. Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

The year’s Emmy’s could be a night of surprises and upsets and this category is a perfect example. Men like Alec Baldwin (30 Rock) and John Cryer (Two And A Half Men) are safe choices every year. They are  funny, but very predictable. Louis C.K. has a great chance of pulling a major upset if he takes this award. Added bonus? Just imagine how funny his acceptance speech will be! Louie is another indie show with a cult following, but the Emmy voters might not understand the brillance of this show. If that’s the case, Parsons’ ever so nerdy role as Sheldon Cooper is a shoo-in.

Predicted winner: Jim Parsons as Sheldon Cooper (The Big Bang Theory)

Outstanding  Lead Actress in a Comedy Series

Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation) v. Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer (Veep)

Sorry fans of annoyingly quirky Zooey Deschanel, but there is no chance she is winning this award for her role in New Girl. And despite the fact Girls’ star Lena Dunham may be the new Tina Fey, it is unlikely the Emmy voters understand her sense of humor. This category is behind two different underdogs. Veep may be one of the shows that is either you get it or you don’t. Lead actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus is thanking the television gods she finally found a hit after her ironic role on Elaine Benes of Seinfeld.The fact that Amy Poehler has yet to win an Emmy is similar to the feeling angry fans have about Leonardo DiCaprio not winning an Academy Award. This is Poehler’s year and if she doesn’t have that gold statue in her hands by the end of the night, Emmy voters should prepare for some backlash. The easy choice of Emmy voters is always 30 Rock’s Tina Fey, but let’s face it – Poehler outshined her this year on Parks and Rec.

Predicted winner: Amy Poehler as Leslie Knope (Parks and Recreation)

Outstanding Comedy Series

Modern Family (ABC) v. Girls (HBO)

Modern Family has become the new 30 Rock. It has been an Emmy favorite for the last few years. The show is hilarious and racy, while having some of the best ratings of any TV show. It is a critic favorite, but if you really get into HBO’s Girls, it is obvious who the true winner is. Girls has off beat humor and an amazing cast who is funnier than half the actors on Modern Family. Yet like with Louie, the humor might go over the Emmy voters’ heads, not giving Girls a real chance.

Predicted winner: Modern Family (ABC)