Deadline TV Editor Nellie Andreeva joins with Michael Ausiello to handicap the very complicated and interesting race for best drama series for the upcoming Emmy Awards. 

“Mad Men” has been riding high for years, with four straight wins for best dramatic series, but Nellie and Michael suggest it may be tougher this time around, with stout competition and no sterling episodes such as “The Suitcase” to cinch the award in voters minds. 

Meanwhile, “Breaking Bad” continues its mad and brilliant path, and “Homeland” is generating more and more love. “The Good Wife” is probably broadcast TV’s only real hope for even a nomination. To further complicate the race, “Boardwalk Empire” has really hit its stride in its second season, and “Game of Thrones” and “Downton Abbey” are potent contenders. Who will win out? 

Check out more of Nellie and Michael’s predictions here at Deadline.com (and our sister publication Awardsline) as we continue our coverage of the run-up to Emmy voting. Tell us what you think about the shows and stars most deserving and most likely to win (they aren’t always the same) Emmys for best drama series this year.