Ranking the ‘Jeopardy!’ guest hosts: How high do Aaron Rodgers, Mayim Bialik, and Ken Jennings rank?

Since “Jeopardy!” lost long-time beloved host Alex Trebek to his battle with pancreatic cancer last year, America’s most popular answer-and-question quiz show has gone to a series of celebrity guest hosts with thousands of dollars going to their charities of choice — matching the winnings of the contestants.

Before a permanent replacement for Trebek is named at some point for Season 38, which starts September 13 — no longer executive producer Mike Richards —16 hosts have taken to the legendary lectern for a total of 160 new episodes over the past seven months. With more now likely to come next season here’s how Sporting News ranks them all, from worst to best as they all worked to honor the late, great Trebek:

6. Dr. Sanjay Gupta

10 shows: June 28 to July 9

Strengths: Efficiency and cordiality. Gupta was a surprise with how well he kept the game moving, making sure to get through all the answers and questions but also bringing a sense of warmth in getting to know the players. He started every game with a smile and maintained the genuine joy for the opportunity. He used his intelligence and CNN experience to his full advantage, proved by his cool comfort.

Weakness: Substance over style. The doctor wasn’t flashy and was limited in his flavor text. There were a couple of messy points in his reaction to his reponses. His stint once again reminded everyone how hard it is to replace Trebek’s complete presence.

Bottom line: Gupta has a great gig at CNN and is established in Atlanta, so it would be shocking if he made the full transition away from medical analysis. But he used his time wisely to prove he was much better for Jeopardy! than his colleague Cooper.

5. Robin Roberts

5 shows: July 19 to July 23

Strengths: Disposition and delivery. Roberts had one of the more joyful runs. She’s an amazing, strong woman who has been through some challenges, but keeps a smile on her face and a chuckle at the ready. She was good at bantering back and forth with contestants and reminded us how good of an interviewer she is.

Weaknesses: A little nervousnes. Roberts wanted to hit it out of the park to honor Trebek as a cancer survivor.  Here’s simply picking a nit with her overexuberance.

Bottom line: From “SportsCenter” to “GMA”, Roberts makes anything fun to watch because she’s a seasoned professional who loves her job. She would settle in nicely if called upon full time.

4. Mayim Bialik

10 shows: May 31 to June 11

Strengths: Savvy and style. As Bialik said herself while on the show, “Jeopardy!” was a perfect opportunity to blend her professorial persona as a neuroscientist and presentation skills as an actor. Although best known to modern, younger audiences as Amy Farrah Folwer on “The Big Bang Theory,” Bialik’s high level of on-screen experience dates all the way back to age 12 when she played a younger version of Bette Midler in “Beaches.” Bialik’s changing wardrobe, including her glasses, took Cohen’s nerdy flair to a whole other level. She also hosted with a smile or a laugh on her face, creating warmth for the contestants and audience alike.

Weakness: Unconventionality. For “Jeopardy!” diehards (like this article’s author), Biaylik’s quirkiness and presentation have great appeal post Trebek. More casual viewers may not be into her proud nerdiness as much, which is sad for them.

Bottom line: Borrowing from the underrated theme song to “Blossom” performed by the late New Orleans legend Dr. John, in my “opinionation”, the sun did surely shine for Bialik behind the lectern. in terms of the true celebrities to host the show so far, Bialik gets the narrowest edge over Rodgers. She is fully deserving of

hosting the prime-time special versions of the show.

3. David Faber

10 shows: Aug. 2 to August 6

Strengths: All-around presentation and interaction. Faber went from little-known financial show host and market analyst to proving he could take the “Squak on the Street” into polished “Jeopardy!” dictiion and delivery. He also was a natural interviewing the contestants with good flavor text and well-timed observational interjections. He also was great with the numbers, making him perfect to handle the big-money run of Matt Amodio, now the show’s No. 5 biggest winner.

Weaknesses: Limited star power and game-show inexperience. Will Faber energize new fans after being a pleasant surprise to long-time fans? He showed a lot of charisma, but will he still get the same respect as Trebek in time? Given Fabert had never done something like that before, the former “Power Player” was outstanding overall in pure emceeing.

Bottom line: Faber has said he’s willing to give up his CNBC gig should he get considered for the full-time “Jeopardy!” gig. He was easily the best celebrity guest host over a crowded field with Bialik’s personality propelling here to a strong fourth place.