Peter Travers' Emmy Predictions

— -- We are just days away from the 2016 Primetime Emmy Awards. And it is almost a sure bet that some fan favorites will pick up a few more statues. But be warned, this could be the year for a string of big upsets.

To keep you ahead of the game, Rolling Stone film and television critic, Peter Travers, who is host of ABC’s “Popcorn with Peter Travers,” breaks down the list. If you want to impress your friends with a few "lucky" guesses this Sunday, be sure to take notes.

COMEDY SERIES

In the comedy series category, HBO’s “Veep” and ABC’s “Modern Family” tend to do well. Both are nominated again this year. But there’s a good chance that neither will walk away with the win this time.

“I say there’s two shows that are really doing it right,” said Travers. “One of those is called 'Master of None' (Netflix) with Aziz Ansari. It just came out of nowhere. He’s a 30-year-old actor in New York. And it just takes you to places TV doesn’t usually take you. But my personal pick is a show called 'Black-ish.' This is Anthony Anderson raising his family and saying, 'I think we’ve lost our identity as African Americans.' It’s smart, it’s provocative, it’s funny. Pay attention to 'Black-ish.'"

“Silicon Valley” (HBO), “Transparent” (Amazon) and “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” (Netflix) round out the competitors in this group.

OUTSTANDING DRAMATIC ACTOR

The outstanding dramatic actor competition includes veteran actors Kyle Chandler and Kevin Spacey, among others. Spacey is nominated for his role in the wildly popular Netflix series “House of Cards.” Spacey has never won. But it may be too late for him to collect an Emmy.

"I’m sorry, I love 'House of Cards.' But it’s not getting better. It’s just sort of repeating itself a little bit," said Travers.

Travers added that this could be a big night for stars of FX’s “The Americans.”

“Matthew Rhys, I think is terrific,” he said.

Bob Odenkirk ("Better Call Saul," AMC), Rami Malek ("Mr. Robot," USA) and Liev Schreiber ("Ray Donovan," HBO) are also in the running.

DRAMA ACTRESS

The drama actress nominees include previous Emmy winner Viola Davis for her role in the ABC series “How to Get Away with Murder” and Taraji P. Henson of “Empire” (Fox). But could Keri Russell of “The Americans" possibly pull off a big win? Travers thinks so because Russell's toughest competition, Davis, won an Emmy just last year.

“The Emmys have basically brushed off (Fox’s) 'Empire.' They’ve nominated Taraji, but they’ve said no,” Travers said. “So no surprise I’m going for Keri Russell. I want this ‘Americans’ thing to sweep. These people are terrific in this show.”

Claire Danes ("Homeland," Showtime), Robin Wright ("House of Cards," Netflix) and Tatiana Maslany ("Orphan Black," BBC America) are the other nominees.

COMEDY ACTRESS

The best comedy actress category could see a shakeup. Travers is pushing for comedian Amy Schumer to win.

“I think Amy Schumer’s show, 'Inside Amy Schumer,' is satire that’s so rich,” said Travers. “OK, it’s a little vulgar at times. But what this woman does on that show is slap everybody in the face.”

This group also includes Tracee Ellis Ross ("Black-ish," ABC), Laurie Metcalf ("Getting On," HBO), Lily Tomlin ("Grace and Frankie," Netflix) and Ellie Kemper ("Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," Netflix).

LEAD ACTRESS

There’s a clear winner in the race for the lead actress Emmy, according to Travers, despite Audra McDonald’s impressive performance in HBO’s “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill.”

“I’m carrying the flag for this one,” said Travers. “Sarah Paulson in 'The People v OJ Simpson,' playing Marcia Clark, letting us see who she is a prosecutor, who she is as a woman, the pressures that were put on her, that is the performance of the year. And not just TV. I haven’t seen anything in the movies that can match what Sarah Paulson did in this.”

To get Peter Travers’ full and extended Emmy breakdown, watch the video above. And be sure to watch the “68th Primetime Emmy Awards” hosted by Jimmy Kimmel this Sunday night on ABC.