Methods and assays examining expression of one or more biomarkers in a sample are provided for predicting or indicating the effectiveness of treatment of a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient with a B-cell antagonist. Methods are provided for identifying patients whose RA is likely to be responsive to anti-RA therapy using a B-cell-antagonist. Methods for treating such patients with B-cell antagonists that incorporate the above methodology are also provided. Further provided are kits and articles of manufacture useful for such methods.